Skip to main content

Compare
Albenza vs. Ivermectin non-prescription

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Albendazole (Albenza) and ivermectin (Sklice) are both antiparasitic medications, but they treat different conditions. Albendazole is used to treat tapeworm infections in the body and brain, while ivermectin lotion is used for head lice. Albendazole is taken orally and requires a prescription, whereas ivermectin lotion is applied topically and is available over-the-counter. Albendazole's dosage depends on body weight and the type of infection, and it may need to be taken for several weeks. In contrast, ivermectin lotion is a one-time application that works in just 10 minutes. Albendazole can cause side effects like stomach pain and liver damage, and it requires regular blood tests. Ivermectin lotion can cause mild side effects like eye irritation and dry skin. Albendazole is not safe during pregnancy, while the safety of ivermectin lotion during pregnancy is unknown.

Albendazole

(Albenza)

Get free coupons

Ivermectin lotion

(Sklice)

Get free coupons

Summary for Albenza

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 Albenza

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

Pros and Cons for 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

Common Side Effects for Albenza

Treatment of tapeworm infections that cause cysts in body organs:

Treatment of tapeworm infections affecting the brain:

  • Headache (11%)
  • Nausea (6%)
  • Vomiting (6%)

Warnings for Albenza

  • 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 Ivermectin non-prescription

Over-the-counter

Ivermectin lotion (Sklice) works great for treating head lice and doesn't require any nit combing after using. It was previously available only by prescription, but you can now get it over the counter.

Indications for Ivermectin non-prescription

  • Head lice

Pros and Cons for Ivermectin non-prescription

Pros

  • Works well with a single use
  • Available as a generic
  • Can be used for children as young as 6 months old
  • Side effects rarely happen

Cons

  • Can cause irritation if it gets in the eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Doesn't work for all cases of lice
  • Not known whether it's safe for pregnant women

Common Side Effects for Ivermectin non-prescription

  • Eye redness
  • Eye irritation
  • Dandruff
  • Dry skin
  • Feeling of burning on the skin

Warnings for Ivermectin non-prescription

  • Accidental ingestion by children

Prices with our coupons for Albenza vs. Ivermectin non-prescription

Price Card Drug Icon
Albendazole4 tablets / 200mg
$27.58$571.90
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Ivermectin Non-Prescription1 tube / 117g of 0.5%
$158.11$211.65
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.