Health Library

Albendazole (By mouth)

Albendazole (al-BEN-da-zole)

Treats infections caused by tapeworms, including hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis.

Brand Name(s):

Albenza

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• You may crush or chew the tablet and swallow it with water.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how albendazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine, dexamethasone, praziquantel, or theophylline.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at 3 days after your last dose. You should have a negative pregnancy test before you start treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bone marrow problems, or vision problems.
• This medicine may cause liver problems.
• Neurocysticercosis: This medicine kills the tapeworms and could cause inflammation as your body heals. The inflammation might cause seizures, numbness or weakness, vision problems, headaches, or nerve problems. Your doctor may give you other medicines (including seizure medicine or steroids) to treat these problems.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024