Albendazole is used to treat parasitic infections and worm infections such as pinworm, hookworm, tapeworm, threadworm, whipworm, and liver fluke infection among others that infect the large intestine.
Take Albendazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different indications of this medicine may be taken differently.
The dose of Albendazole will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your infection.
Take this medicine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses and continue to take Albendazole even when you feel better. To clear the infection, you must complete the entire course unless otherwise directed.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Albendazole or any other similar medicines.
Do not take Albendazole if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Albendazole may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.
For as long as you are taking Albendazole, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Monitor your stool for presence of worms or worm eggs.
Practice good hygiene to reduce the chances of getting infected again. Wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet.
If you develop bone marrow depression (a condition in which the blood cells are low) stop the medicine and alert your doctor immediately.
Albendazole may cause any of the following side effects: headaches, stomach pain, diarrhoea, fever, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- itchy rash
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform you doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- cimetidine (medicine to neutralise stomach acid)
- praziquantel (other medicine to treat worm and parasitic infection)
- medicines for epilepsy (seizures or fits) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Albendazole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption (more than 1 litre a day) of grapefruit juice.
Avoid fried and fatty foods.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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