Albenza (Albendazole)

What is Albenza?

Albenza is an anthelmintic (anti-worm medication).

What is Albenza used for?

Albenza is indicated for the treatment of certain infections such as dog tapeworm and pork tapeworm.

How does Albenza work?

Albenza works by preventing newly hatched insect larvae from multiplying in the body.

How to use Albenza

Albenza should be taken in a manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken once or twice daily (as directed by the doctor). If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, you may crush or chew it and take it with water.

Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. There may be some conditions wherein you would be required to stop taking the medicine for some time and restart it later. However, do not stop the treatment with this medicine, all of a sudden, on your own. Continue to take the medicine for the full prescription period.

Tell your doctor if any unusual symptom is seen/ experienced after taking Albenza dose or if your condition worsens.

Albenza warnings and precautions

Do not take Albenza if you are allergic to albendazole or to mebendazole. Prior to taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are suffering from liver disease or if you have a history of abnormal liver function tests.

Avoid being close to people who have flu, cold or other communicable illnesses. If you develop signs of infection, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnant women should not use this medicine unless prescribed by a registered medical practitioner because Albenza may cause harm to a fetus. It is advised that you use effective birth control measures while on the prescription period of this medication. if you become pregnant during treatment, inform your doctor right away. It is not known if the drug can pass into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant, therefore, lactating females should consult their doctors before taking Albenza.

What do I do if I have missed a Albenza dose?

If you have missed an Albenza dose, take it as soon as you remember but do not take if it is the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up.

What do I do if I have taken a Albenza overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Albenza, consult your doctor right away.

Albenza interactions

Before taking Albenza, tell your doctor about all prescribed drugs used by you including vitamin supplements and herbal medicines. Some drugs are known to interact with Albenza when used in tandem with it. These include theophylline (Theo-Dur, Uniphyl, Slo-Bid, Elixophyllin), praziquantel, dexamethasone, or cimetidine (Tagamet or Tagamet HB).

Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your physician.

Albenza side effects

Side effects from Albenza include sore throat, fever, chills, body ache, headache, blisters, peeling and red skin rash, unusual weakness, bleeding, bruising, breathing problems, hives, swelling on face/ tongue/ lips/ throat or other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Albenza, you should contact your doctor right away.

Mild nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, stomach ache, and temporary hair loss are some less serious side effects of Albenza.