Albendazole
Albendazole
400mg Tablets
Manufactured by Cipla
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Albendazole Prescription Drug Information
Albendazole (By mouth)
Albendazole (al-BEN-da-zole)
Treats hydatid disease and other infections caused by tapeworms. May also be used to treat infections caused by roundworms, hookworms, and pinworms. Belongs to a class of drugs called anthelmintics.
Brand Name(s):Albenza
There may be other brand names for Albendazole.
When Albendazole Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Albendazole if you have had an allergic reaction to albendazole or to related medicines such as mebendazole (Vermox®, Mebendacin®).
How to Use Albendazole:
Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
- It is best to take Albendazole with meals. Taking albendazole with food will help your body absorb the medicine better.
If a dose of Albendazole is missed:
- Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of Albendazole:
- Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Albendazole:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking cimetidine (Tagamet®), praziquantel (Biltricide®), or dexamethasone.
Warnings While Using Albendazole:
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease or currently have liver problems.
- You should not use Albendazole if you are pregnant. Albendazole may cause birth defects or be harmful to an unborn baby.
- Your doctor should give you a pregnancy test before you start the medicine to make sure you aren't pregnant.
- Use an effective form of birth control while taking Albendazole and for at least one month after your last dose.
- If you think you might be pregnant after you have started taking the medicine, stop taking it and call your doctor right away.
- Talk with your doctor before taking Albendazole if you are breastfeeding.
- A few patients have had liver damage or bone marrow problems caused by albendazole. Your doctor may want to test your blood regularly while you are taking Albendazole to watch for these harmful effects. Try to keep all of the appointments that are made for you.
- If you are taking albendazole for hookworms or whipworms, your doctor may want you to take iron supplements.
- Pinworms are easily spread from one person to another. Have all other members of your household checked or treated. Wash all night clothes and bedding (such as sheets, pads, spreads and blankets) in hot water.
Possible Side Effects While Using Albendazole:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Rash or hives
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Albendazole, talk with your doctor:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness, headache
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Albendazole, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088