Generic Name: Albendazole
Brand Name: Albenza
Popular medicines with Albendazole
-
Zentel 400 Mg$2.88 – $13.58
Table of contents
What is Albendazole
Albendazole is a salt recommended as an effective treatment against worm infections.
Medicines containing Albendazole are prescription based and work by killing the worms that cause infections.
It belongs to the Anthelmintic drug class. By preventing worms from absorbing sugar, it causes them to lose energy and eventually die.
Albendazole Uses
Albendazole is primarily prescribed to treat parasitic worm infection caused by tapeworms, roundworms, and pinworms.
The worm infections treated using medicine containing this salt include
Hydatid Disease
Also known as Cystic echinococcosis, the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus causes this worm infection. The worm is commonly known as dog tapeworm. The disease mainly affects the liver and causes abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Neurocysticercosis
The worm infection is caused by Taenia solium, commonly known as the pork tapeworm. The worm mainly enters the brain, causing cysts there. It leads to seizures and acute headaches.
Cutaneous Larva Migrans
It is an intestinal worm infection caused by hookworm. The hookworm causes itchy rashes, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, Anemia, and lesions on the feet and backside.
Ascariasis
The worm infection is caused by roundworms causing abdominal discomfort. Other symptoms of the infection might include coughing, intestinal blockage, and impaired growth in children.
Other worm infections treated using Albendazole include Filariasis, Strongyloidiasis, and Capillariasis.
Working of the salt
Albendazole is an antihelminthic drug that causes degenerative changes in the worm’s intestine.
It works by restricting the worms from absorbing sugar, thereby depleting their energy level.
The diminishing energy production leads to the immobilization of the parasite.
This ultimately causes the worms to die and treats your infection.
-
Zentel 400 Mg$2.88 – $13.58
Dosage of Albendazole
Albendazole is available as oral tablets. You can take it with meals or as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily.
The tablet containing this salt can be swallowed with water, crushed, or chewed.
For Hydatid disease, your doctor may direct you to take this medication in a treatment cycle for 28 days. Carefully follow your doctor’s recommendations.
The Albendazole dose is based on your weight, severity of disease, and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Albendazole Side Effects
Albendazole is an FDA-approved drug to treat parasitic worm infection. Not taken according to the doctor’s prescription may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- Fever, chills
- sore throat
- Seizure
- Headaches,
- Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting
- Vision problems, or pain behind your eyes
How to manage side effects?
The side effects caused by Albendazole are mild and can be reduced with minor treatments
- Headaches: Take rest and relax. Try getting deep sleep and keep yourself hydrated
- Nausea/ Vomiting: Take light meals. You can consume Vomistop on your doctor’s recommendation to treat nausea.
In case you experience other side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
Albendazole Interactions
Albendazole might interact with some drugs and diseases to show side effects. Hence, one must consult their physician before consuming the tablets containing this salt.
Drug Interactions
Some drugs that interact with the antiparasitic salt include:
- Carbamazepine: Medicines to treat Seizures
- Phenytoin: Medicines for treating Epilepsy
- Clozapine: Medicines to treat Schizophrenia
Disease Interactions
The salt for antiparasitic medicine might interact with certain diseases.
Hence, inform your doctor about your medical history before starting the medication. The disorders that interact with Albendazole include
- Myelosuppression: Bone Marrow depression and low blood count
- Liver Diseases
- Seizures
- Renal Dysfunction
Food Interactions
Food increases the absorption of Albendazole.
Taking antiparasitic medicine on an empty stomach can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Pros and Cons of Albendazole
| Pros | Cons |
| It is an excellent treatment for infections caused by several types of worms. | If not taken according to the doctor’s recommendation, Albendazole can cause undesired effects in the body. |
| It can be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and mixed with food | In case of overdose, it can affect liver and kidney function. |
| It is a safe medication for use in both adults and children. |
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture
Similar Salts
Another salt that works similarly to Albendazole is Ivermectin.
Other Products with Similar Salts
-
Ivecop$3.82 – $32.14
-
Ivecop 3 Mg Tablet$32.14 – $120.74
-
Iverkind 12 Tablet DT$21.07 – $77.62
-
Zentel 400 Mg$2.88 – $13.58
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should not take Albendazole?
Albendazole should not be taken by people allergic to this salt and people with a medical history of liver and kidney dysfunction.
How quickly does Albendazole work?
In most cases, one must start feeling the effects of medicine after three days of consumption. The effectiveness of Albendazole against parasitic infections depends on the severity of the conditions.
Do worms come out after taking Albendazole?
Albendazole works by killing the worms causing infection in the body. After the treatment with antiparasitic salt, dying worms are excreted through the body.
Can I take Albendazole at night?
Yes, Albendazole is safe to take at night, after dinner. But, you should strictly follow your doctor’s instructions to take medicine.
Can Albendazole be taken for three days?
Yes, the usual recommended dose for mild parasitic infections is three days. But follow your doctor’s advice for the correct treatment of your parasitic infection.
Is Albendazole safe for humans?
Yes, Albendazole is an FDA-approved drug for treating parasitic worm infections.
Can I take Albendazole daily?
Yes, the treatment regimen of Albendazole comprises daily intake. Please follow your doctor’s prescription strictly for effective treatment.
When is the best time to take Albendazole?
You should take Albendazole with food and according to your doctor’s prescription. Depending on the severity of your infection, the doctor might recommend one or two doses a day. Take the pills containing this salt with food, not on an empty stomach.
Is Albendazole an antifungal?
Albendazole is an antiparasitic salt but has shown slight antifungal properties. The FDA has approved the salt for treating worm infections while it is still under study for its antifungal properties.
What foods should be avoided with Albendazole?
One should avoid consuming grapefruits and grapefruit juice with Albendazole. It might add to the side effects of the antiparasitic salt and reduce its effectiveness.