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Uses of Albendazole

Albendazole is the generic name of a prescription medicine commonly used for the treatment of various infections that come from worms, such as the dog tapeworm and pork tapeworm. The brand name of this medication is Albenza. It is classified as being an anthelmintic, an anti-worm medicine. Albendazole functions by stopping insect larvae (or worms) that have just been hatched from multiplying and spreading inside of the body. The medication comes in tablet form.

  1. Main Use

    • The main use of albendazole is to treat and manage infections that result from worms. This medication operates by preventing the worm from being able to absorb glucose (sugar), which results in it running out of energy and, therefore, dying.

    Common Uses

    • The most common medical conditions that albendazole is used to treat are both nervous system infections that are caused by pork tapeworms (also known as neurocysticercosis), as well as hydatid disease (also known as echinococcosis).

    Other Medical Uses

    • Albendazole is also used to treat various other infections, including tapeworms, capillariasis, trichostrongyliasis, cutaneous larva migrans, whipworms, roundworms, pinworms and hookworms.

    Usage

    • Albendazole is intended to be taken orally (and accompanied by food) on a daily basis. It is usually taken once or twice a day (depending on instructions from your doctor). For individuals with difficultly swallowing tablets whole (such as children), they can be crushed down and taken alongside water. Albendazole dosage amounts are determined by different factors such as health, weight and treatment response. You must take the exact recommended dosage amount of this medication.

    Common Side Effects

    • For users of albendazole, there are various common side effects that could happen as a result of the medication. In general, these side effects are not considered to be cause for alarm since they tend to fade away quickly (as the body gets used to the new medicine). However, if you have any of these effects and they are especially long-lasting or if they get worse with time (as opposed to getting better and subsiding), you need to consult your doctor. These side effects include temporary loss of hair, abdominal ache, nausea, vomiting and headache.

    Drug Interactions

    • Drug interactions can cause the effectiveness of albendazole to be compromised. Because of this fact, it is important to notify your doctor of any and all medications and nutritional supplements that are you are currently taking. This is especially important for those taking the following medicines: praziquantel, cimetidine and theophylline. Individuals who are allergic to albendazole should not use the medication. This also applies to those with allergies to similar medicines, which include mebendazole.

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