What is Albendazole?
Albendazole, also known as albendazolum, belongs to a class of medicine know as anthelmintic or anti-worm medicines. It successfully treats worm infections by destroying newly hatched worm larvae within the body. Albendazole is manufactured by the reputable and WHO recognized pharmaceutical comapny Intas and is available online in packets of 10 tablets containing 400mg of Albendazole.
Recommendations for use of Albendazole
Albendazole is a medication used for the treatment of a variety of parasitic worm infestations
It is useful for giardiasis, trichuriasis, filariasis, neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease, pinworm disease, and ascariasis, among others.
Dosage and direction of taking Albendazole
Take Albendazole 400mg as prescribed by the doctor. You may take it by mouth with or without food usually 2 to 3 times a day. Swallow the tablet and if your child is having trouble swallowing the tablet then you may chew or crush the tablet and take it with water.
Your doctor may direct you to take this medication in a treatment cycle (eg: twice daily with meals for 28 days then stopping the medicine for 2 weeks) for some conditions like hydatid disease.
Your doctor will work out the dosage for you based on your age, medical condition and response to treatment.
Take Albendazole exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
Regular usage will help to get the most from this medication. Take it always at the same time every day. In the event you are prescribed to take it in a treatment cycle, it may be helpful to mark the calendar with a reminder of when you need to restart the medication.
You need to continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if the symptoms disappear after a couple of days. Stopping the medication before completion of the treatment may result in a return of the infection.
There may be other medications (eg: anti-seizure medications, corticosteroids) prescribed for your current condition. Follow doctor's instructions and take it as directed.
Missed Dose of Albendazole
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take your next dose. Do not take an dose of medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose of Albendazole
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Precautions before taking Albendazole
Prior to taking Albendazole inform your doctor if you have
any allergies to Albendazole or to other benzimidazole anthelmintic medications or any other allergies
liver disease
blood / bone marrow disorders
biliary tract problems (blockage)
Consumption of alcohol increases the risk of liver problems. Therefore alcohol consumption should be limited while you are taking this medication.
If you are having surgery prior to your surgery, inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products (prescription, non- prescription medications, herbal products, vitamin and supplements) you are taking.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Albendazole should be used only when it is absolutely necessary. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and the risks involved. Women of child bearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Reliable form of birth control (birth control pills, condoms) should be used by women while taking this treatment and for 1 month after treatment stops.
Consult your doctor before breast feeding as it is unknown if Albendazole passes into breast milk. If it does it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
While using Albendazole avoid drinking grapefruit juice and eating grapefruit unless your doctor instructs you to do so safely. The risk of side effects may be increased by grapefruit. Get more details from your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects of Albendazole
Your doctor prescribed this medicine after carefully analyzing the benefits over the risks involved. Most people do not experience any serious side effects. However, you may experience the following side effects.
vomiting
nausea
abdominal pain
temporary hair loss
dizziness
Inform your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects.
vision changes
dark urine
severe headaches that doesn't go away
yellowing eyes / skin
severe stomach / abdominal pain
unusual tiredness
easy bruising / bleeding
signs of kidney problems (change in the amount of urine)
signs of infection (fever, sore throat that doesn't go away, chills)
confusion
very stiff neck
If you experience seizures get immediate medical help as it is a very serious side effect.
A very serious allergic reaction is extremely rare with Albendazole. In case you show any of the following symptoms get to the emergency clinic
itching
trouble breathing
swelling in the face, throat, tongue, throat
rash - itching
severe dizziness
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Do not be alarmed by the lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
Interaction with Albendazole
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
Some of the medications that may interact with Albendazole
fosphenytoin (Cerebyx)
phenytoin (Dilantin)
grape fruit juice
alcohol
Storage of Albendazole
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 86°F)
protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Prebel tablets in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away capsules that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Prebel should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Albenza 400mg or Albendazole
Formula: Albendazole | C12H15N3O2S
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