Albendazole: What is it? Relevant Aspects, How to Take, Side Effects and Interaction

It is an anthelmintic or anti-worms medicine. It prevents newborn insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body.

Albendazole is used to treat certain infections caused by worms, such as the worm of the pig and the dog’s worm.

The medication may also be used for other purposes not listed in this guide.

What are the most relevant aspects of medicine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Albendazole or similar medicines, such as Mebendazole (Vermox).

Before using the medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have liver disease, or have ever had abnormal liver function tests.

Use an effective form of birth control while using Albendazole and for at least one month after your treatment ends. Take Albendazole with food to relieve stomach upset.

Take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. Albendazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or the flu.

 

The medicine can reduce blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around other suffering people.

Your blood should be tested regularly to make sure your blood cells do not go too low. Your liver function may also need a test. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What should I consult with my doctor before taking Albendazole?

If you have certain conditions, you may need to change your dose or perform the relevant tests to use this medication safely. Before using Albendazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have:

  • Liver disease or if you have ever had abnormal liver function tests.
  • Your doctor may ask you to take a pregnancy test to ensure you are not pregnant before taking Albendazole.
  • It is not known if Albendazole is transmitted through breast milk or if it can adversely affect the infant who is breastfeeding. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How should I take it?

Accurate the prescription of the medication, do not exceed or exceed the time recommended by your doctor; in any case, take precautions by checking the package label. Albendazole should be taken with food.

If you have trouble swallowing an Albendazole tablet, you can crush or chew the tablet and then drink a full glass of water to eat.

The medication is sometimes given in a 4-week cycle followed by two weeks of not taking the drug. This cycle is usually repeated until a total of 3 cycles have been given.

Take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. Albendazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or the flu.

The medicine can reduce blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around other people who are suffering.

To make sure your blood cells do not go too low, your blood should be tested regularly. Your liver function may also need a test. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store the medicine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

What should I avoid?

Avoid being around people who have colds, flu, or other contagious diseases. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.

What are the possible side effects?

Seek emergency medical attention if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction:

  • Rochas
  • Difficult breathing
  • Swelling of your face
  • Lips.
  • Tongue or throat

Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these severe side effects:

  • Bruising or easy bleeding.
  • Unusual weakness
  • Fever.
  • Sore throat and headache with a severe rash, with blisters and red.
  • Fever with chills
  • Body aches or flu-like symptoms

Less serious side effects may include:

  • Stomach ache.
  • Nausea vomiting.
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness
  • Temporary hair loss

What other drugs affect Albendazole?

Before taking Albendazole, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medications:

  • Cimetidina (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).
  • Dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol).
  • Praziquantel (Biltricida).
  • Orteopilina (Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl, y otros).

This list is not complete, and there may be other drugs that can interact with Albendazole.

Do not start using a new medication without checking with your doctor first.

¿Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can give you more information about the medication.