Albendazole vs. Praziquantel for Parasitic Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Albendazole

(Albenza)

Praziquantel

(Biltricide)

Summary for Albendazole

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Albendazole

Tapeworm infection that causes cysts in body organs
Tapeworm infection affecting the brain

Pros and Cons for Albendazole

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

Common Side Effects for Albendazole

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%)

Warnings for Albendazole

Low blood cell counts
Harm to unborn babies
High pressure in the brain and seizures (for tapeworm infections affecting the brain)
Risk of further eye damage (if the tapeworm infection also affects the eyes)
Liver damage
Tapeworm infections causing cysts in body organs that unknowingly also affect the brain

Summary for Praziquantel

Prescription only

Praziquantel (Biltricide) is an anthelmintic medication for people ages 1 year and older. It treats certain infections caused by flukes. These parasitic worms are typically found in unclean drinking water or raw, infected freshwater fish. The medication is a tablet that's taken by mouth, usually 3 times for 1 day only. But dosing can differ depending on your prescriber's instructions. Praziquantel (Biltricide) for humans is safe to take and is prescription only. Some side effects include feeling tired, headache, dizziness, and stomach discomfort.

Indications for Praziquantel

Treatment of blood fluke infections (schistosomiasis) in people ages 1 year and older
Treatment of liver fluke infections (clonorchiasis or opisthorchiasis) in people ages 1 year and older

Pros and Cons for Praziquantel

Pros

Works well to treat most types of blood flukes in people
The only FDA-approved medication for treating liver flukes in people
Option to crush tablets and mix with soft food or liquid

Cons

Tablets taste bitter and could make you gag or vomit
Higher risk of side effects in people with liver problems
Interacts with many medications and grapefruit juice

Common Side Effects for Praziquantel

Feeling tired
Headache
Dizziness
Stomach discomfort
Nausea
Itchiness
Drowsiness
Fever

Warnings for Praziquantel

Suddenly feeling very sick in people with blood fluke infection (schistosomiasis)
Brain and nervous system problems
Higher likelihood of side effects in people with liver problems
Heart rhythm problems
Drug interactions