Albendazole

Information about Albendazole

Albendazole Uses

Albendazole is used in the treatment of parasitic worm infections.

How Albendazole works

Albendazole is an antiparasitic medication. It works by keeping the worms from absorbing sugar (glucose), thereby depleting their energy level. This causes the worms to die and treats your infection.

Common side effects of Albendazole

Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Loss of appetite, Increased liver enzymes
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Saleh Rifai
BCMAS, Pharm.D
Reviewed By
Dr. Shilpa Garcha
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated:
07 Oct 2020 | 11:21 AM (UTC)
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Read Our Editorial Policy

Available Medicine for Albendazole

ZentelGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹8 to ₹172 variant(s)
NowormAlkem Laboratories Ltd
₹8 to ₹172 variant(s)
BandyMankind Pharma Ltd
₹8 to ₹172 variant(s)
BendexCipla Ltd
₹10 to ₹233 variant(s)
WomibanBlue Cross Laboratories Ltd
₹7 to ₹162 variant(s)
AbzIndoco Remedies Ltd
₹8 to ₹172 variant(s)
CidazoleJuggat Pharma
₹8 to ₹172 variant(s)
AlbidShine Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹7 to ₹152 variant(s)
ZeebeeSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹8 to ₹172 variant(s)
AllinPalsons Derma
₹751 variant(s)

Expert advice for Albendazole

  • You have been prescribed Albendazole to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections.
  • It should be taken with food.
  • It can be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking Albendazole.
  • Your doctor may monitor your blood counts and liver function before you start taking this medicine and regularly throughout your treatment.
  • Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Inform your doctor if you develop signs of infection.
  • Do not skip doses and finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may increase your risk of further infection.

Frequently asked questions for Albendazole

Albendazole

Q. Is Albendazole an antibiotic?

Yes, Albendazole is an antibiotic medicine. It is used to treat various infections caused by worms. Albendazole should be taken only when prescribed by the doctor.

Q. What is Albendazole used for?

Albendazole is used for the treatment of infections caused by helminths (worms) like pin worms/thread worms, roundworms, hookworms, whip worms, liver flukes and tapeworm infections. Along with that, the medicine has shown good activity against some organisms that can survive without oxygen too, like Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis. Please consult your doctor before taking any treatment for worms as there could be many worms against which Albendazole would not be effective.

Q. How does Albendazole work?

Albendazole works by killing the larva and the adult form of the worm by reducing the energy source (glucose) of the worms. This helps to decrease the mobility of the worms and they die eventually.

Q. What is the best time to take Albendazole?

Albendazole should be taken exactly as advised by the doctor. Do not self-medicate. However, it may be given once or twice a day depending on the condition you are being treated for. It may be taken in the morning or evening. It is usually prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach but you may be asked to take it with food for treating some conditions. Follow your doctor’s advice carefully to get the most benefit.

Q. Does Albendazole kill eggs of the worms?

No, Albendazole does not kill the eggs of the worms. It acts against the larva and the adult form of the worms only. You may have to take a second dose two weeks later, to lessen the chances of reinfection. Albendazole should be taken only as advised by the doctor. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

Q. Is Albendazole safe?

Albendazole is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. Is Albendazole effective for treating pinworms?

Yes, Albendazole an effective medicine which is used for the treatment of pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis). It shows active action against the larval and the adult stages of the worms. Consult your doctor before taking any medicines for worm infections.

Q. Is Albendazole an over the counter product?

No, Albendazole is not an over the counter (OTC) product. It is a prescription medicine which means it can be bought with a valid prescription by a doctor only.

Q. Does Albendazole kill tapeworms?

Albendazole can work against tapeworms like Hymenolepis nana and Taenia spp. Please consult your doctor before taking any medicine for worm infestations.

Q. Who should not take Albendazole?

Albendazole should not be given to patients with known allergy to any other ingredients of this medicine, or any other similar medicines like mebendazole or thiabendazole, in the past. Signs of an allergic reaction may include an itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions before taking the medicine. Also, let your doctor know about any other medicines that you may be taking for any other conditions, as they may affect or be affected by this medicine.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Albendazole?

If you forget a dose of Albendazole, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

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