albendazole
Albendazole (Albenza) is a tablet that's used for the treatment of tapeworm infections in children and adults. It can't be purchased over the counter because it requires a prescription. Some side effects of albendazole (Albenza) include stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. It's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking this medication to lower your risk of liver damage; both alcohol and albendazole (Albenza) can harm the liver.
What is Albendazole (Albenza)?
What is Albendazole (Albenza) used for?
- Tapeworm infection that causes cysts in body organs
- Tapeworm infection affecting the brain
How Albendazole (Albenza) works
Albendazole (Albenza) is an antiparasitic medication. It kills intestinal worms by not allowing them to use energy for survival.
Drug facts
Side effects of Albendazole (Albenza)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Treatment of tapeworm infections that cause cysts in body organs:
- Changes to liver blood tests (16%)
- Stomach pain (6%)
- Nausea (4%)
- Vomiting (4%)
Treatment of tapeworm infections affecting the brain:
- Headache (11%)
- Nausea (6%)
- Vomiting (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Signs of meningitis (neck stiffness, pain when turning head from side to side)
Albendazole (Albenza) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Low number of blood cells: tiredness, pale skin, frequent fevers, unexplained bruising
- High pressure in the brain: headache, vision changes, ringing in the ears
- Seizures
- Liver damage: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools
The following Albendazole (Albenza) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Rare
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
chills
painful or difficult urination
pinpoint red spots on the skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swollen glands
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blurred vision
dark urine
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
joint or muscle pain
light-colored stools
red, irritated eyes
seizures
stomach pain, continuing
tightness in the chest
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Stomach pain
Less common
Rare
Dizziness
thinning or loss of the hair
Incidence not known
Lack or loss of strength
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Albendazole (Albenza)
Pros
- Works well to treat certain types of tapeworm infections
- Can be swallowed whole, chewed, or crushed
- Can use for children and adults
- Interacts with very few medications
Cons
- Might need to take it for a long time (weeks to months)
- Can cause liver damage
- Requires bloodwork to check for side effects
- Might not be safe in pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Albendazole (Albenza)
- Take albendazole (Albenza) with meals. The medication doesn't work as well if you take it on an empty stomach.
- Swallow albendazole (Albenza) tablets whole. But if you have trouble swallowing pills, the tablets can be crushed or chewed and then swallowed with some water.
- If you forget to take a dose of albendazole (Albenza), take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for missed medication. This can raise your risk of serious harm.
- Your provider will order regular lab tests to watch for side effects, such as liver damage and a drop in your blood cell counts. Be sure to get all blood tests done on time while you're taking albendazole (Albenza).
- Albendazole (Albenza) isn't safe to take if you're pregnant, as it can be harmful to your unborn baby. Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking albendazole (Albenza) and for 3 days after stopping this medication. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while taking albendazole (Albenza).
Common questions about Albendazole (Albenza)
Albendazole (Albenza) works best when you take it with a full meal. Take albendazole (Albenza) with your morning and evening meals (breakfast and dinner). Because most people don't eat full meals right before bed, bedtime might not be the best time of day to take one of your doses. Swallow the table whole. If you're having trouble swallowing the tablets whole, you can crush or chew them and wash the medication down with some water.
After taking albendazole (Albenza), you might experience some stomach side effects, such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. If the side effects are too bothersome, contact your provider. They can suggest ways to manage stomach upset.
The time it will take albendazole (Albenza) to kill the worms will be different for everyone. Some studies suggest that albendazole (Albenza) can work to kill tapeworms in the brain within 7 days. For tapeworms in other parts of your body (e.g., liver), it could take longer to treat the infection. This is why your provider will probably recommend taking the medication for 28 days, and you'll need to repeat treatment a few times. Follow your provider's instructions, and don't stop taking albendazole (Albenza) early if you start to feel better so that it can fully clear your infection.
Yes. In fact, you should swallow the albendazole (Albenza) tablet whole with water. You can also chew or crush albendazole (Albenza) tablets and swallow the medication with water. If you take your tablet with water, make sure you also eat some food with each dose to help your body absorb the medication best.
Animal studies showed that albendazole (Albenza) caused harm to unborn babies when the medication was taken by pregnant mothers. While animal studies don't always represent what will happen in humans, the risk can't be ruled out. Your provider might ask you to do a pregnancy test before starting albendazole (Albenza). If you're a woman and able to have children, you should use a birth control method during treatment with albendazole (Albenza) and for 3 days after your last dose to prevent pregnancy.
No. In the United States, albendazole (Albenza) is only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Albendazole (Albenza) isn't FDA approved to treat pinworm infections, but healthcare providers who specialize in treating infections might prescribe albendazole (Albenza) for pinworms. This is an unapproved or off-label use of albendazole (Albenza). The dose of albendazole (Albenza) might be different when used to treat pinworm infections than when it's used for tapeworm infections, so be sure to follow the directions on your prescription bottle very carefully if you've been prescribed albendazole (Albenza) for pinworm treatment.
While alcohol doesn't affect how albendazole (Albenza) works, you should still avoid drinking it while taking this medication. Albendazole (Albenza) and alcohol are both hard on the liver. Combining them could raise your risk of having liver problems while taking albendazole (Albenza).
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Risks and warnings for Albendazole (Albenza)
Albendazole (Albenza) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Low blood cell counts
- Risk factors: Liver problems | Tapeworm infection in the liver
Albendazole (Albenza) can lower the number of blood cells in your body. These include the cells that fight off infections, and without the right amount, you can get sick easier and have a harder time getting better. This side effect is rare, but it can be life-threatening. Your risk of this side effect is higher if you have or have had problems with your liver. You'll need to have a blood test done at the beginning of treatment and every 2 weeks while you're taking albendazole (Albenza) to make sure your blood cells are at a safe level.
Harm to unborn babies
Albendazole (Albenza) caused harm to unborn babies in animal studies, so it might not be safe to take during pregnancy. Because of this risk, you might be asked to take a pregnancy test before you start albendazole (Albenza) to make sure that you're not pregnant. You should use a form of birth control while you're taking albendazole (Albenza) and for 3 days after your last dose. If you become pregnant, stop taking albendazole (Albenza) right away and talk to your healthcare provider.
High pressure in the brain and seizures (for tapeworm infections affecting the brain)
- Risk factors: Using albendazole (Albenza) to treat tapeworm infections in the brain
If you're taking albendazole (Albenza) to treat tapeworm infections affecting the brain, it's possible to have higher pressure in and around the brain at the beginning of treatment with albendazole (Albenza). You can experience seizures if this happens, and it can be life-threatening. These reactions happen as a result of dying tapeworms in the brain because of the medication. To prevent or manage these reactions, providers usually prescribe steroids and seizure medications along with albendazole (Albenza) for the first week of treatment. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have seizures, a very bad headache, or weakness on one side of your face or body.
Risk of further eye damage (if the tapeworm infection also affects the eyes)
- Risk factors: Using albendazole (Albenza) to treat tapeworm infections affecting the brain
For some people who have tapeworm infections affecting the brain, the infection has also affected the eye. This can cause damage to the retina. If you have this type of eye damage, taking albendazole (Albenza) can make the damage worse. This can lead to vision loss or even total blindness. You might need an eye exam to make sure your retinas are healthy before starting albendazole (Albenza). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any sudden changes in vision while taking albendazole (Albenza).
Liver damage
- Risk factors: Liver problems
Albendazole (Albenza) can affect the health of your liver. For most people, these changes to your liver are mild, and your liver will go back to normal once you stop taking albendazole (Albenza). In some rare cases, albendazole (Albenza) can cause liver failure, which can be life-threatening. Your risk of more severe problems is higher if you have current liver problems. Be sure to get all blood tests done on time, so your healthcare provider can make sure your liver stays healthy enough to take albendazole (Albenza). If you have signs and symptoms of liver problems, like dark urine, feeling tired, low appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow eyes or skin, contact your provider right away.
Tapeworm infections causing cysts in body organs that unknowingly also affect the brain
Sometimes, people with tapeworm infections causing cysts don't realize that their infection also affects the brain. When these people use albendazole (Albenza) to treat their tapeworm infection, they might be at risk of experiencing higher pressure in and around the brain, severe headache, and seizures. This reaction happens when the tapeworms die in the brain. Your healthcare provider might check you for tapeworm infections in the brain before you start taking albendazole (Albenza).
Albendazole (Albenza) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg | 4 tablets | $29.80 | $7.45 |
Typical dosage for Albendazole (Albenza)
The dosage will depend on the type of tapeworm infection you have and your body weight.
Tapeworm infections that cause cysts in body organs
- 60 kg (132 lbs) or more: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth twice a day with meals for 28 days, followed by 14 days of no medication. This should be repeated for a total of 3 cycles.
- Less than 60 kg (132 lbs): The typical dose is 15 mg/kg of body weight per day, split into two doses throughout the day with meals. Albendazole (Albenza) should be taken for 28 days, followed by 14 days of no medication. This should be repeated for a total of 3 cycles. The maximum dose is 800 mg per day.
Tapeworm infections affecting the brain
- 60 kg (132 lbs) or more: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth twice a day with meals for 8 to 30 days.
- Less than 60 kg (132 lbs): The typical dose is 15 mg/kg of body weight per day, split into two doses throughout the day with meals for 8 to 30 days. The maximum dose is 800 mg per day.
Interactions between Albendazole (Albenza) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
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Albendazole (Albenza) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Albendazole (Albenza) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to benzimidazole medications, such as Emverm (mebendazole) and omeprazole (Prilosec)
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