How to Use

To ensure the safe use of Albendazole, let your doctor know if you suffer from or have a history of liver disease or bone marrow suppression. Your doctor should also know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant during the course of treatment. Breastfeeding mothers should not use this drug without first talking to their doctor.

Use Albendazole exactly as directed on the prescription label. Do not take the dug in larger or smaller doses or for longer or shorter durations than directed.

Take the medicine with food. For persons unable to swallow the tablet whole, they can chew or crush it and swallow with a glass of water. Let your doctor know of any weight changes as the dose is based on the weight of a patient.

Albendazole should be used for the full prescribed period. The symptoms may improve before the infection clears completely. Skipping a dose can increase the risk of further infections which may be resistant to anti-worm medication.

Your doctor may need to test your blood from time to time. This is done because the drug has the potential to weaken your immune system. Your liver function will be checked at least once every two weeks. Don’t miss scheduled appointments with your doctor.

FDA Pregnancy Classification

Category C

Albendazole should not be used by pregnant women or those who plan on becoming pregnant during treatment. The drug can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy during treatment and a month after treatment. It is unclear if the drug can be passed into breast milk and whether it can harm a breastfeeding baby. Let the doctor know if you are nursing an infant.

Storage

Store at room temperature and away from heat, light and moisture.

Side Effects

Serious

• Signs of bone marrow suppression: ill feeling, sudden weakness, sore throat, swollen or red gums, easy bruising, easy bleeding, mouth sores or trouble swallowing.
• Liver problems: upper stomach pain, nausea, tired feeling, itching, dark urine, loss of appetite, jaundice, clay-colored stools

Common

• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Temporary hair loss
• Spinning sensation or dizziness

Safety

Don’t use Albendazole while pregnant. A patient must have negative pregnancy test results before treatment is started. The drug should only be used by pregnant women where there is no alternative treatment for the condition. Consult your doctor first.

If you are allergic to Albendazole or similar drugs like mebendazole (Vermox), you should not use this medication.

Interactions

Albendazole has interactions with 87 drugs.