Related Articles
What are the uses for albendazole?
Albendazole is FDA approved for the treatment of the
following parasitic infections:
- Hydatid Disease Albendazole is used for the treatment of cystic hydatid
disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by dog tapeworm (Echinococcus
granulosus) larvae. - Neurocysticercosis Albendazole is used to treat parenchymal
neurocysticercosis due to active lesion caused by pork tapeworm (Taenia solium)
larvae. - Off-label use Albendazole is also effective in treating infections caused by
other parasites including Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Trichinella spiralis
(pork worm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm),
Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm), Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm),
Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm), and Necator americanus (hookworm).
What brand names are available for albendazole?
Albenza
Is albendazole available as a generic drug?
No (beware of fraudulent suppliers)
Do I need a prescription for albendazole?
Yes
What are the side effects of albendazole?
Side effects which occurred with a frequency of = 1% include:
- liver problems,
- stomach pain,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- headache,
- dizziness,
- increased
intracranial pressure, - meningeal signs,
- reversible
hair loss or thinning, and - fever.
Side effects which occurred with a frequency of <1% include:
- blood disorders
(decrease in red blood cells and platelets), - allergic reactions,
- rash, and
- itching.
Other side effects of undefined frequency include:
- aplastic anemia,
- bone
marrow suppression, - decrease in white blood count,
- acute liver failure,
- hepatitis, increase in liver enzymes,
- severe skin rashes such as
Steven-Johnson's syndrome, and - acute kidney failure.
QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
See Answer
What is the dosage for albendazole?
The dosing of albendazole depends on which parasitic infection is being
treated. When treating young children, tablets may be crushed or chewed and
swallowed with a drink of water. Patients are advised to take albendazole with
food.
Which drugs or supplements interact with albendazole?
Grapefruit juice may increase in blood levels of albendazole when
administered concurrently. Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx) and phenytoin (Dilantin)
decrease levels of albendazole by increasing its breakdown.
Is albendazole safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate clinical trials of albendazole
administration during pregnancy. Albendazole should only be used during
pregnancy if the potential benefit of treatment justifies the potential risk to
the fetus. Albendazole has been classified FDA as pregnancy risk category C.
It is not known if albendazole is excreted in human milk.
Due to the lack of safety data, albendazole should be used cautiously during
breastfeeding.
What else should I know about albendazole?
What preparations of albendazole are available?
Tablets: 200 mg
How should I keep albendazole stored?
Tablets should be stored at room temperature between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).