What is albendazole?

Albendazole is an anthelmintic (an-thel-MIN-tik) or anti-worm medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body.

Albendazole is used to treat certain infections caused by worms such as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm.

Albendazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Albendazole (Albenza) , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Albendazole is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Albendazole (Albenza) . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, pharmacist, check with your doctor, or other health care provider.

Important safety information:

• Albendazole (Albenza) may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Albendazole . Using Albendazole (Albenza) alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Women should take a pregnancy test before starting to take Albendazole . Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking Albendazole (Albenza) and for 1 month after you complete your treatment with Albendazole .
• LAB TESTS, including white blood cell counts and liver function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Albendazole (Albenza) if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Albendazole during pregnancy. It is unknown if Albendazole (Albenza) is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast feeding while you are using Albendazole , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Albendazole (Albenza) side effects

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
• unusual weakness; or
• easy bruising or bleeding;

Less serious side effects may include:

• temporary hair loss.
• headache; or
• nausea, vomiting;
• stomach pain;

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.