Common uses

Albenza is used for treating certain tapeworm infections.
Albenza is an anthelmintic. It works by killing sensitive parasites.

Before using

Do not take Albenza if you are allergic to any ingredient in Albenza or to benzimidazoles (eg, rabeprazole)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Albenza . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have liver problems, eye problems (eg, retinal lesions), bone marrow problems, low white blood cell counts, or low platelet counts

Directions

The dose of albendazole will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of albendazole. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. This medicine is usually taken a by mouth. Swallow the tablets whole with a small amount of water. You should take albendazole with a high fat meal to increase how much of the drug gets into the body. Albendazole tablets may be crushed and mixed with applesauce or pudding, which is an easy way to give it to children. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Take at regular intervals. Parasite (worm) death can be slow. To remove all parasites (worms) from the intestines can take several days.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you have to take a missed dose, make sure there are at least 10 to 12 hours between doses.


Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress after treatment. This is to make sure that the infection is cleared up completely, and to allow your doctor to check for any unwanted effects.
If your symptoms do not improve after you have taken this medicine for the full course of treatment, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
For women of childbearing age, it is important that you use birth control while taking albendazole since this medicine can cause birth defects or other problems.

Possible side effects

This medication may cause dizziness, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, or temporary hair loss. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely, but report promptly: persistent sore throat or fever, severe headache, seizures, vision problems, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, easy bruising, mental/mood changes, very stiff neck, change in amount of urine. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to this drug include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take too much

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

For patients taking albendazole for hookworms :
• In hookworm infections, anemia may occur. Therefore, your doctor may want you to take iron supplements. If so, it is important to take iron every day while you are being treated for hookworm infection. Do not miss any doses. Your doctor may also want you to keep taking iron supplements for at least 3 to 6 months after you stop taking albendazole. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
For patients taking albendazole for pinworms :
• In some patients, pinworms may return after treatment with albendazole. Wear pajamas and underwear to sleep, take a bath every day, and wash (not shake) all bedding and nightclothes (pajamas) after treatment to help prevent reinfection. Treatment may be repeated after 3 weeks.
• Pinworms may be easily passed from one person to another, especially among persons in the same household. Therefore, all household members may have to be treated at the same time to prevent their infection or reinfection.


Drug interactions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Albenza . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Cimetidine, dexamethasone, or praziquantel because they may increase the risk of Albenza 's side effects
Theophylline because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Albenza
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Albenza may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.