Albendazole Uses, Side Effects & Precautions

What is Albendazole?

Albendazole is an antiparasitic medicine used to treat caused by tapeworms or other parasitic worms. It works by killing the infection-causing worms and stops them from multiplying. Albendazole helps to treat conditions like neurocysticercosis (infection due to pork tapeworm affecting your muscles, brain, and eyes). Such infections may lead to seizures, swelling of the brain, and vision problems.

Albendazole also helps to treat cystic hydatid disease of the lung, liver, and peritoneum, along with surgery. It is an infection caused by dog tapeworms. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as Antihelmintics. It is also effective in treating diseases of intestinal worms, liver flukes, lungworms, stomach worms, and tapeworms in humans and also in cattle and sheep.

Medical uses of Albendazole

Albendazole tablet helps in the Treatment of Parasitic infections, and it can treat conditions like-

• Hydatid Disease

• Neurocysticercosis

How does the Albendazole tablet work?

Albendazole belongs to a class of medication known as Anthelmintics. It works by disrupting worms' cellular structure. It binds to beta-tubulin and hinders microtubule formation, vital for cell division and transport. This way, Albendazole weakens energy metabolism, impairs cellular functions, and inhibits the parasite's survival process. Thus, it leads to parasite death and effectively treats your infection.

How to take an Albendazole tablet?

Albendazole is a prescription-based medication. Always follow the instructions and warnings printed on the prescription label. It would be best to take it in dose and duration as directed by your doctor or physician. You can take an Albendazole tablet on an empty stomach or after having food. Take Albendazole orally, take it by mouth, and swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or break the tablet during intake. But make sure to take the doses at fixed intervals daily.

You must complete the entire course of treatment even if you start to feel better. Taking treatment as a whole would ensure the killing of all parasites, and they do not become resistant. So before you stop taking this drug, please inform your doctor and do not make any changes by yourself in the doses. You should not take more than 800mg of Albendazole per day. The dosage can vary from person to person depending on the severity of the disease, so follow a valid prescription for yourself.

Missed dose-

If you forget a dose of Albendazole Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Continue taking the next dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Don't double up on doses. Please consult your doctor if you need more clarification about a missed dose.

Overdose-

If you consume a higher dose than the prescribed one or a double amount of Albendazole, you may experience overdosing effects. You can face symptoms like severe headache, trouble breathing, and feeling like passing out. Call a poison control center if you suspect these effects after accidentally consuming an overdose.

Side effects of Albendazole

While using Albendazole, some people may experience some unwanted effects of this drug. Usually, they appear in mild form and do not require any medical attention. But if any of its possible side effects turn serious, you must consult a doctor. Seek immediate medical help or contact a doctor if needed. It may cause side effects such as

• Changes in vision

• Seizures

• Headache

• Fever, chills and sore throat

• Unusual bleeding

• Increased liver enzymes

• Nausea

• Loss of appetite

• Flu-like symptoms

• Common allergic reactions

• Hair loss

• Dizziness

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

Drug Interaction for Albendazole

Using certain medicines with Albendazole can lead to drug interactions. A drug interaction may alter the effectiveness of your treatment or heighten the risk of severe side effects. It may interact with prescription/non-prescription and herbal products. If you take any other medications, share them with your doctor or pharmacist. The medicines that may interact with Albendazole are-

• praziquantel

• dexamethasone

• theophylline

• cimetidine

Disease Interaction for Albendazole

These are some medical conditions where using Albendazole can be unsafe and require caution. Tell your doctor if you are suffering from the following health issues before you take Albendazole tablets.

• Liver related disease

• you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• Have low blood counts, like soft white or red cell counts

• Biliary tract blockage

• An unusual or allergic reaction to Albendazole or any other inactive ingredients of this medicine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• Fits or seizures

• If you have bone marrow suppression

Precautions and Safety Advice

If you have an allergy to any active ingredients of this drug, then do not take Albendazole tablets. Also, inform your doctor if you have any history of allergies. 

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with an Albendazole tablet. The combined use of this substance can lead to the risk of side effects. So make sure you limit or stop drinking alcohol during the treatment.

Albendazole can decrease your alertness, affect your vision, and make you feel dizzy or sleepy. If you experience these effects, do not drive or do tasks that need attention.

During human studies, researchers found no harm to the baby having milk from the mother taking Albendazole. So, it's safe to use Albendazole tablets during breastfeeding. For more information, please consult a doctor.

Avoid getting pregnant if you are taking Albendazole even after 1 month of stopping this drug. You may talk to your doctor to know the effective birth control methods. And make sure to inform your doctor if you wish to get pregnant or are already pregnant before you get the treatment. It's because the use of Albendazole can cause harm to an unborn baby.

If you are a patient with kidney disease, then it's still probably safe to use Albendazole tablets. However, you must consult a doctor and disclose your medical history before starting the treatment.

You need caution while taking Albendazole if you have liver disease. Your doctor may advise dose adjustment to prevent any potential risk factor. And make sure to inform your doctor if you develop any signs or symptoms of jaundice. It may include symptoms like yellowing eyes and skin, clay-colored stools, and itching while taking this drug.

Do not use the Albendazole table in children below 2 years of age.

Storage Information

Store Albendazole tablets at a dry and average room temperature. Avoid keeping it in a moist place and out of reach of children and pets.

FaQs

Is Albendazole a habit-forming medicine?

No, Albendazole does not contain any habit-forming tendency.

How do you use Albendazole for Kids?

Give this medicine to your child orally, preferably with a fat-containing food. You can give it with milk as it will help the child's body to absorb medicine better. But, if your child vomits within 30 minutes of taking the medication. In such a case, give the same dose again.

What is the best time to give a child this worm medicine?

For the most benefit, give this medicine to your child as prescribed by a doctor. You should provide the treatment for a baby 2 hours after dinner or early in the morning on an empty stomach.

When should I take Albendazole tablets?

You are usually advised to take an Albendazole tablet twice daily with food. The length of treatment and dosage strength depends on the medical condition and severity of the infection. While treating neurocysticercosis, it may take 8 to 30 days. And, while treating cystic hydatid disease, it usually takes 28 days, followed by a 14-day break and may have three repeat cycles.