Albendazole

Generic Name

• Albendazole (al BEN da zole).

Brand Names

• Albenza.

General Information

Albendazole (Zentel) is an oral drug used to treat a variety of worm infections. Albendazole works by keeping the worm from absorbing sugar (glucose), so that the worm loses energy and dies. Albendazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Do not take albendazole if you are pregnant. Avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month following albendazole therapy. It is related to mebendazole - a drug approved in the united states as vermox. Albendazole is approved in several european and most third world countries. Side-effects can include gastro-intestinal upsets, headaches and dizziness. Less frequent reactions include rash, fever, elevated liver enzymes and hair loss. Albendazole passes into animal milk. It is not known whether albendazole passes into human breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor. Patients with liver disease may have an increased chance of side effects.

Albendazole Dosage

• Adults, teenagers, and children weighing 60 kilograms and over - 400 milligrams (mg) two times a day for twenty-eight days.
• Adults, teenagers, and children weighing less than 60 kilograms - 15 mg per kilogram (6.8 milligrams per pound) of body weight per day divided into two doses and taken for twenty-eight days.

Side Effects of Albendazole

The following side effects of Albendazole may includes:

• Fever.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Abdominal pain.
• Unusual tiredness and weakness.  
• Dizziness.
• Thinning or loss of hair.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Warnings and precautions before taking Albendazole

• If your symptoms do not improve after you have taken this medicine for the full course of treatment, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• For women of childbearing age, it is important that you use birth control while taking albendazole since this medicine can cause birth defects or other problems.
• Do not take albendazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Take albendazole with food to lessen stomach upset.
• If you miss a dose of Albendazole, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Overdosage

• An overdose of albendazole is unlikely to occur.
• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
• Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

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