Drug Name

Albendazole

Drug Uses

Albendazole is used for treating certain tapeworm infections.

How to use

Use Albendazole as directed by your doctor.

• Take Albendazole by mouth with food.
• If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, it may be crushed or chewed with a little water.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Albendazole is an anthelmintic. It works by killing sensitive parasites.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Albendazole and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Albendazole at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Albendazole out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Albendazole if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Albendazole or to benzimidazoles (e.g., rabeprazole).

• Albendazole may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Albendazole with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Albendazole may rarely lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• If you are a woman who may become pregnant, you should have a negative pregnancy test before you start taking Albendazole . You must use an effective form of birth control while you take Albendazole and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about effective birth control.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Albendazole . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Albendazole if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Albendazole is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Albendazole, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; decreased urination; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

Albendazole is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.