Albenza (albendazole-oral)

What brand names are available for albendazole-oral?

Albenza

Is albendazole-oral available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No (beware of fraudulent suppliers)

Do I need a prescription for albendazole-oral?

Yes

What are the uses for albendazole-oral?

Albendazole is FDA approved for the treatment of the following parasitic infections:

• Hydatid Disease Albendazole is used for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by dog tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) larvae.
• Neurocysticercosis Albendazole is used to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesion caused by pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) larvae.
• Off-label use Albendazole is also effective in treating infections caused by other parasites including Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Trichinella spiralis (pork worm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm), Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm), and Necator americanus (hookworm).

What are the side effects of albendazole-oral?

Side effects which occurred with a frequency of = 1% include:

• liver problems,
• stomach pain,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• increased intracranial pressure,
• meningeal signs,
• reversible hair loss or thinning, and
• fever.

Side effects which occurred with a frequency of <1% include:

• blood disorders (decrease in red blood cells and platelets),
• allergic reactions,
• rash, and
• itching.

Other side effects of undefined frequency include:

• aplastic anemia,
• bone marrow suppression,
• decrease in white blood count,
• acute liver failure,
• hepatitis, increase in liver enzymes,
• severe skin rashes such as Steven-Johnson's syndrome, and
• acute kidney failure.

What is the dosage for albendazole-oral?

The dosing of albendazole depends on which parasitic infection is being treated. When treating young children, tablets may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water. Patients are advised to take albendazole with food.

Which drugs or supplements interact with albendazole-oral?

Grapefruit juice may increase in blood levels of albendazole when administered concurrently. Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx) and phenytoin (Dilantin) decrease levels of albendazole by increasing its breakdown.

Is albendazole-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate clinical trials of albendazole administration during pregnancy. Albendazole should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit of treatment justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Albendazole has been classified FDA as pregnancy risk category C.
It is not known if albendazole is excreted in human milk. Due to the lack of safety data, albendazole should be used cautiously during breastfeeding.

What else should I know about albendazole-oral?

What preparations of albendazole-oral are available?

Tablets: 200 mg

How should I keep albendazole-oral stored?

Tablets should be stored at room temperature between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).

Summary

Albendazole (Albenza) is a prescription drug used to treat a variety of parasitic worms from the body. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.