Albendazole
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action
Albendazole is an antihelmintic medicine and it works by killing the sensitive parasites in humans.
Therapeutic Uses of Albendazole
Albendazole is used in the treatment of worm infestation. It is mainly used in mixed type of worm infestation (more than one type of worms in body).
Direction of use of Albendazole
Albendazole should be taken as your doctor directs you to take. Albendazole is taken orally along with food. If you have problem with swallowing the tablet (as it is a big tablet) you can chew it or you can crush it before taking it.
Albendazole is usually taken as single dose for worm infestation, but can be taken another dose 3 weeks after the first dose. For certain types of worm infestation Albendazole has to be taken for 4 weeks.
Dose of Albendazole, if Missed
Albendazole is taken as single dose so it can not be missed. But in certain types of worm infestation it has to be taken for 4 weeks and if the dose of Albendazole is missed in this type of treatment than it should be taken as soon as remembered. Do not take 2 doses. If it is almost time for the next dose than the missed dose should be skipped and Albendazole taken as normal schedule.
How to Store Albendazole
Albendazole is stored at room temperature i.e. between 68 and 77 degree F or 20 to 25 degree C. It should be stored away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. keep Albendazole out of reach of children and pets.
More Information About Albendazole
If there is still worms inside your body after taking Albendazole, than consult your doctor or health care provider. It should be used by the person for whom it is prescribed and should not be shared with none.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Albendazole
Avoid Albendazole if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Albendazole or to benzimidazole group of medicines like rabeprazole, esmoprazole etc.
Important points to be remembered:
- Do not take Albendazole if you are pregnant, planning for a baby or breast feeding. Albendazole can be harmful to the growing fetus. If you are planning pregnancy avoid Albendazole at least 1 month prior to become pregnant. If you suspect that you are pregnant while on Albendazole than consult your doctor immediately. It is not clear if Albendazole can pass to breast milk but it is better to avoid breast feeding and consult your doctor or health care provider about the risks and benefits of Albendazole during breast feeding.
- Alcohol should be avoided during taking Albendazole. Albendazole causes dizziness and it is more if you are also taking alcohol or some other medication with it. Avoid driving and doing risky works till you know how you react to Albendazole.
- Lab tests like complete hemogram and liver function test should be performed during Albendazole therapy. These tests can be used to monitor your response to Albendazole and its side effects.
- If you are a female you should perform pregnancy test before taking albendazole and you should take Albendazole only after getting negative pregnancy test. You should get contraception for yourself before starting Albendazole and continue it for one month after stopping Albendazole. Consult your doctor for effective contrsception.
- Albendazole can sometime (rarely) lower your immunity and consult your doctor if you have fever, sore throat, skin rash etc. try to avoid contacts with people who have sore throat, cold or other infection.
Possible Adverse Effects of Albendazole
- Consult your doctor if you have any of the common side effects like nausea, vomiting, headache or stomach ache.
- Get medical attention if you have any of the problems like low urine output, dark color urine, infection (fever, sore throat), redness of skin, blister in skin, edema of skin, yellowness of eyes or skin, vision change, generalized weakness, headache, dizziness or allergic reaction manifested by hives, breathing difficulty, tightness in chest, skin rash, itching, swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue and sore throat.