Albendazole

Albendazole is a prescription anthelmintic (anti-worm) medication used to treat various parasitic worm infections, including neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease. It is effective against both intestinal and tissue parasites. Albendazole works by inhibiting the parasites’ ability to absorb essential nutrients, leading to their eventual death. This drug is available in oral tablet form and must be taken with meals to enhance absorption. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment closely. Side effects can include gastrointestinal discomfort and changes in liver enzymes. This drug is available only with a doctor’s prescription. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before starting treatment.

Albendazole is a widely used anthelmintic medication prescribed to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections, including neurocysticercosis caused by the Taenia solium tapeworm and echinococcosis resulting from the Echinococcus tapeworm. This drug is crucial for both intestinal and tissue-invading worms, with several off-label uses for other parasitic infections such as hookworm, giardiasis, and filariasis. Administered orally, Albendazole comes in 200 mg tablets. It functions by preventing parasites from absorbing glucose, which is vital for their energy and survival, causing them to die off.

The typical treatment regimen involves taking the medication with food, which enhances its absorption and effectiveness. Dosages vary depending on the infection type and patient weight, with specific guidelines for both adults and children. Treatment cycles often include periods of medication intake followed by drug-free intervals, particularly in diseases like hydatid disease. This pattern helps to effectively manage the infection without overexposure to the drug. It’s essential to adhere strictly to the prescribed duration and dosage to prevent the recurrence of infection.

Side effects of Albendazole are usually mild but can include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and abdominal pain, as well as more serious conditions like liver enzyme elevations and hematological changes. Therefore, regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is crucial, particularly for patients with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking other medications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting Albendazole to ensure it is appropriate for your specific health condition and to discuss any potential interactions with other medications you may be taking. The effectiveness and safety of the treatment will depend significantly on following medical advice and adhering to prescribed protocols.

Albendazole has received FDA approval for treating Neurocysticercosis (infection by the Taenia solium tapeworm) and Hydatid disease (caused by the Echinococcus tapeworm). It is also used off-label to treat these additional worm infections:

• Clonorchiasis, Clonorchis sinensis
• Ascariasis
• Capillariasis
• Trichinellosis
• Trichostrongylosis
• Enterobiasis
• Eosinophilic enterocolitis
• Hookworm infections (Necator americanus or Ancylostoma duodenale)
• Trichuriasis, Trichuris trichiura
• Opisthorciasis
• Visceral larva migrans (toxocariasis)
• Gnathostomiasis
• Oesophagostomiasis
• Giardiasis
• Gongylonemiasis
• Cutaneous larva migrans
• Microsporidiasis

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Albendazole?

It comes in the form of oral tablets and has a strength:

• Albendazole 200 mg tablet

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Albendazole?

The dosage of Albendazole may depend on factors such as the patient’s tolerability, age, condition, and other factors. The dosage mentioned here is generalized, and if your doctor has recommended a different dosage than the one given below, you should take it exactly as directed. Do not alter your dosage; do not use it more or less than instructed, more often than prescribed, or in larger quantities, as this can cause unfavorable outcomes.

For Patients with Hydatid Disease (Usual Adult Dosage)

• For individuals weighing less than 60 kg: 15 mg per kg per day, taken orally in two divided doses.
  • Maximum daily dose: Take 800 mg with meals.
• For individuals weighing 60 kg or more: 400 mg taken orally twice a day. Take with meals.
• Duration of Therapy: Follow a 28-day treatment cycle. After each cycle, take a 14-day break from the medication. Complete a total of 3 treatment cycles.

For Patients with Hydatid Disease (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• For children weighing less than 60 kg: 15 mg per kg per day, administered orally in two divided doses.
  • Maximum daily dose: 800 mg. The medication should be taken with meals.
• For children weighing 60 kg or more: 400 mg taken orally twice a day.
  • The medication should be taken with meals.
• Duration of Therapy: Proceed with a 28-day treatment cycle and follow each cycle with a 14-day period without the drug. Complete a total of 3 treatment cycles.

For Patients with Neurocysticercosis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• For individuals weighing less than 60 kg: 15 mg per kg per day, taken orally in two divided doses.
  • Maximum daily dose: 800 mg. The medication should be taken with meals.
• For individuals weighing 60 kg or more: 400 mg taken orally twice a day. The medication should be taken with meals.
• Duration of Therapy: Treatment should last between 8 to 30 days, depending on the severity of the infection and the doctor’s recommendation.

For Patients with Neurocysticercosis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• For children weighing less than 60 kg: 15 mg per kg per day, administered orally in two divided doses.
  • Maximum daily dose: 800 mg. The medication should be taken with meals.
• For children weighing 60 kg or more: 400 mg taken orally twice a day. The medication should be taken with meals.
• Duration of Therapy: Treatment should continue for 8 to 30 days, depending on medical advice and the specifics of the case.

For Patients with Cutaneous Larva Migrans (Usual Adult Dosage)

• US CDC Recommendations: 400 mg taken orally once daily.
  • Duration of therapy: 3 to 7 days.
• Case Report: 400 mg taken orally twice daily.
  • Duration of therapy: 3 to 5 days.

For Patients with Cutaneous Larva Migrans (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• US CDC and AAP Recommendations:
  • For children older than two years: 400 mg taken orally once a day.
    • Duration of therapy: 3 days.
  • Comments (US CDC): Albendazole is contraindicated in children younger than two years of age; consider using topical agents for treatment in these cases.
• For children aged 11 months: 2.5 mL of suspension (equivalent to 200 mg/5 mL) taken orally twice a day.
  • Duration of therapy: 3 days.

For Patients with Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis) (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommendation by Some Experts: 400 mg taken orally as a single dose.
• A repeat dose is advised after two weeks.

For Patients with Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis) (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• AAP Recommendations:
  • For children weighing less than 20 kg: 200 mg taken orally as a single dose. A repeat dose is advised after two weeks.
  • For children weighing at least 20 kg: 400 mg taken orally as a single dose. A repeat dose is advised after two weeks.
• Additional Expert Recommendation: 400 mg taken orally as a single dose. This is a general guideline applicable to all pediatric patients. A repeat dose is advised after two weeks.

For Patients with Filariasis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for ten days

For Patients with Filariasis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for ten days

For Patients with Hookworm Infection (Necator or Ancylostoma) (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally as a single dose

For Patients with Hookworm Infection (Necator or Ancylostoma) (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally as a single dose

For Patients with Enterocolitis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally as a single dose

For Patients with Enterocolitis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally once as a single dose

For Patients with Visceral Larva Migrans (Toxicariasis) (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for five days

For Patients with Visceral Larva Migrans (Toxicariasis) (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for five days

For Patients with Strongyloidiasis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for seven days

For Patients with Strongyloidiasis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for seven days

For Patients with Trichinosis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for 8 to 14 days

For Patients with Trichinosis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for 8 to 14 days

For Patients with Trichostrongylosis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally as a single dose

For Patients with Trichostrongylosis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally as a single dose with food

For Patients with Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally once a day for three days

For Patients with Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally once a day for three days

For Patients with Capillariasis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally once a day for ten days

For Patients with Capillariasis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• US CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendations: 400 mg taken orally once a day.
  • Duration of therapy: 10 days. This treatment is recommended as an alternative therapy.
• For children aged at least 18 months: 400 mg per day.
  • Duration of therapy: 21 days, and can be extended up to 100 days depending on the severity and response to treatment.

For Patients with Gnathostomiasis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for 21 days

For Patients with Gnathostomiasis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for 21 days

For Patients with Clonorchis sinensis (Liver Fluke) (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 10 mg/kg/day orally for seven days

For Patients with Clonorchis sinensis (Liver Fluke) (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 10 mg/kg/day orally for seven days

For Patients with Cysticercus cellulosae (Cysticercosis) (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for 8 to 30 days

For Patients with Cysticercus cellulosae (Cysticercosis) (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommendation by Some Experts: 15 mg per kg per day, administered orally in two divided doses.
• Maximum daily dose: 800 mg.
• Duration of therapy: Ranges from 8 to 30 days, based on medical advice and specific patient needs.

For Patients with Echinococcus Infection (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 400 mg orally twice a day for 1 to 6 months

For Patients with Echinococcus Infection (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• US CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendations: 10 to 15 mg per kg per day, administered orally in two divided doses.
• Maximum daily dose: 800 mg.
• Duration of therapy: Ranges from 1 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the infection and the response to treatment.

For Patients with Loiasis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: 200 mg orally twice a day for 21 days

For Patients with Loiasis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: 200 mg orally twice a day for 21 days

For Patients with Microsporidiosis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose for General Population: 400 mg taken orally, twice daily.
• US CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (HIVMA/IDSA) Recommendations for HIV-Infected Patients: 400 mg taken orally twice a day.

For Patients with Microsporidiosis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommendation by Some Experts: 15 mg per kg per day, administered orally in two divided doses.
  • Maximum daily dose: 800 mg.
• AAP, US CDC, HIVMA/IDSA, NIH, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Recommendations for HIV-Infected and HIV-Exposed Children: 15 mg per kg per day, administered orally in two divided doses.
  • Maximum daily dose: 800 mg.
• US CDC, NIH, and HIVMA/IDSA Recommendations for HIV-Infected Adolescents: 400 mg taken orally twice a day.

For Patients with Ascariasis (Usual Adult Dosage)

• Recommended Dose: Take a single dose of 400 mg orally.

For Patients with Ascariasis (Usual Pediatric Dose)

• Recommended Dose: Take a single dose of 400 mg orally.

[Note: These recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss them with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

Before taking Albendazole, you should refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL) and the medication guide and use it exactly as directed by your healthcare practitioner or doctor. If you have any queries or if you have difficulty understanding any part of the leaflet, ask your healthcare provider. Here are some instructions for taking this medication:

• Take Albendazole orally with meals as your doctor prescribes, usually once or twice a day. If you or your child find it difficult to swallow tablets, you can crush or chew the tablet and take it with water.
• For certain conditions like hydatid disease, your doctor may instruct you to follow a specific treatment cycle (e.g., taking the medication twice daily with meals for 28 days, then pausing for 14 days). It is important to follow these instructions closely.
• The dosage is tailored to your weight, medical condition, and how well you respond to the treatment.
• To gain the most benefit, it is essential to take this medication consistently. Try to take it at the same time every day to help you remember. If your treatment involves a cycle, marking a calendar to track when to start and stop can be helpful.
• Continue taking the medication for the entire prescribed duration, even if your symptoms improve quickly. Stopping early may cause the infection to return.
• For your condition, you might also be prescribed additional medications, such as corticosteroids or anti-seizure drugs. Make sure to take these exactly as your doctor recommends.
• Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist approves it. Grapefruit may increase the likelihood of side effects. For more details, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

Albendazole is a medicine that targets and kills worms and parasites inside the body. When you take it, it stops these organisms from absorbing the vital nutrients they need to live, mainly glucose. Without these nutrients, the parasites can’t produce energy, grow, or multiply. Eventually, they die off, and the body naturally gets rid of them. This medication is widely used to treat different kinds of parasitic infections, making it a reliable choice for improving the health of those affected. Albendazole is generally safe and can be used by both adults and children, depending on the health issue being addressed.

Common side effects of Albendazole: Similar to other medications, Albendazole can cause certain temporary side effects that do not usually require medical intervention and usually resolve on their own within a couple of days or weeks, but if they persist or become worse, you should seek medical assistance. This is not the complete list, and there may be other symptoms, too. Tell your doctor if you experience any new or worsening symptoms. Common side effects of Albendazole may include: 

• Nausea: This is one of the most common side effects of Albendazole, which is often due to the body’s response to the medication as it works to kill parasites. The breakdown of parasites may release substances that irritate the gastrointestinal tract, further causing feelings of nausea. To manage this side effect, you should take Albendazole with food, which can help reduce irritation of the stomach lining. Avoiding greasy and rich meals while being treated with Albendazole tablets for parasitic infections may also help prevent nausea. If this symptom persists, you should consult a healthcare professional. 
• Abdominal pain: This may be due to the medication’s effects on disrupting the metabolic parasites, causing their death and subsequent inflammatory responses in the intestines. This inflammation can cause discomfort or pain in the abdominal area. To minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, you should take the medicine with food or a milky drink. You can also use over-the-counter antacids or pain relief medicines to provide relief after talking with your doctor, but it is essential to talk to a healthcare professional before using additional medications. 
• Vomiting: This can be due to the gastrointestinal tract irritation caused by Albendazole or as a reaction to the dying parasites releasing toxins. To reduce the likelihood of vomiting, taking Albendazole with meals is recommended. Staying hydrated and eating small, bland meals can also help manage this side effect. If vomiting is severe or persistent, you should seek medical advice. If this symptom gets severe or persistent, you should seek medical advice, as it may lead to dehydration or indicate an adverse reaction. 
• Headache: This may be due to the body’s inflammatory response to parasitic elimination or as a direct side effect of the medication. To help alleviate this side effect, 
• Abnormal liver function tests: Albendazole is metabolized by the liver, and its use can lead to elevated liver enzyme levels, indicating liver inflammation or stress. This side effect is usually temporary and resolves on its own after completing treatment. To monitor liver function, healthcare providers may perform liver function tests before and during treatment, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. Avoiding alcohol during treatment is advisable, as alcohol can further strain the liver. If significant liver enzyme elevations occur, discontinuation of the medication may be necessary, and alternative treatments should be considered.

Serious side effects of Albendazole: In certain cases, this medication can cause rare but severe side effects that require immediate medical intervention and can become fatal if not treated promptly. Your doctor has prescribed you to use Albendazole after determining that it is safe for you to take. If you are concerned about any of the risks associated with its use, you should discuss them with your doctor. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention and discontinue Albendazole use. Severe side effects of the medication include: 

• Severe allergic reactions: This medication can cause allergic reactions in some people using it, which can be severe in some cases. You should discontinue using Albendazole and immediately call your doctor or 911 if you experience signs and symptoms indicating a hypersensitivity reaction, such as pounding heartbeat, breathing problems, swollen lymph nodes, fever, difficulty swallowing, nausea, dizziness, stomach cramps, joint pain, and swelling of the face, lips, throat, mouth, or tongue. To prevent this, you should tell your doctor beforehand if you have or have ever had a hypersensitivity reaction to any of the inactive or active ingredients mentioned on the product label. If you have difficulty understanding which ingredients are present in the product you are using, you should ask your pharmacist or medical practitioner.
• Bone marrow suppression: This medication can reduce the number of cells made by your bone marrow, which can cause low blood levels of essential cells such as white blood cells, platelets, red blood cells & neutrophils. This can further increase your susceptibility to unwanted bleeding and infections, including severe infections. This may be serious or even become life-threatening in some cases. You should immediately tell your doctor or healthcare professional if you have a frequent infection, easy bleeding or bruising, unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, fever, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat. 
• Liver damage: Hepatoxicity, also known as liver damage, can occur at any stage of treatment with Albendazole. You should regularly make visits to your doctor or healthcare provider, have regular blood tests, and ensure you keep your records safe with you. Immediately seek medical assistance if you have belly pain, fever, itching, weakness, light-colored stool, reduced appetite, dark-colored urine, and jaundice. 

[Note: This list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Like with other medications, Albendazole also has certain warnings that users should be aware of while using it. There are certain groups that have an increased risk of developing certain side effects.

• Do not use Albendazole if you are allergic to benzimidazole compounds, Albendazole itself, or any of its ingredients.
• Albendazole may cause a decrease in all types of blood cells, especially in patients with liver issues. It’s important to check blood levels at the start of each 28-day treatment cycle and every two weeks during treatment. Stop using Albendazole if blood levels drop significantly.
• Albendazole can increase liver enzyme levels. Monitor these levels and stop treatment if they exceed twice the normal upper limit. Treatment may be resumed once enzyme levels normalize.
• Albendazole might worsen or reveal hidden neurocysticercosis during the first week of treatment. Patients may require concurrent treatment with corticosteroids and anticonvulsants.
• Before starting treatment for neurocysticercosis, check for retinal lesions caused by cysticercosis. Albendazole could harm the retina if these lesions are present.
• Monitor theophylline levels in patients who are taking theophylline alongside Albendazole.

What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Albendazole?

• Albendazole comes with serious boxed warnings. This medication can harm an unborn baby. If you are taking Albendazole, it’s crucial to use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least three days after the final dose. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new medication to understand the proper dosage and potential side effects. Be sure to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider or pharmacist closely.

• Low Blood Cell Counts: Albendazole can reduce the number of blood cells in your body, including those that help fight infections. With fewer infection-fighting cells, you may become more susceptible to illnesses and may have difficulty recovering. Although this side effect is uncommon, it can be serious and potentially life-threatening. If you have current or past liver issues, your risk may be higher. It’s important to monitor your blood cell levels with a blood test at the start of your treatment and every two weeks while on Albendazole to ensure they remain at safe levels.
• Harm to Unborn Babies: In animal studies, Albendazole has been shown to cause harm to unborn babies. Due to this risk, it might not be safe to take during pregnancy. You may need to take a pregnancy test before starting Albendazole to ensure that you are not pregnant. It’s essential to use effective birth control while taking Albendazole and for three days after your last dose. If you become pregnant while on Albendazole, stop taking the medication immediately and consult with your healthcare provider.
• High Pressure in the Brain and Seizures (For Tapeworm Infections Affecting the Brain): When using Albendazole to treat tapeworm infections in the brain, you may experience increased pressure in and around the brain at the start of treatment. This can lead to seizures, which can be life-threatening. Such reactions typically occur as the tapeworms die off due to the medication. To help prevent or manage these symptoms, healthcare providers often prescribe steroids and seizure medications alongside Albendazole during the first week of treatment. If you experience seizures, severe headaches, or weakness on one side of your face or body, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Risk of Further Eye Damage (If the Tapeworm Infection Also Affects the Eyes): In some cases, people with tapeworm infections in the brain also have an infection in their eyes, which can damage the retina. Taking Albendazole when you have this type of eye damage can worsen the condition, potentially leading to vision loss or even complete blindness. It’s essential to have an eye exam to check the health of your retinas before starting treatment with Albendazole. If you notice any sudden changes in your vision while taking this medication, inform your healthcare provider immediately.
• Liver Damage: Albendazole can affect your liver’s health. In most cases, the changes are mild, and your liver function will return to normal after stopping the medication. However, in rare instances, Albendazole can cause severe liver damage, including liver failure, which is potentially life-threatening. If you already have liver issues, you may be at a higher risk for serious problems. It’s crucial to complete all scheduled blood tests so your healthcare provider can monitor your liver health while you’re taking Albendazole. If you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as light-colored stools, fatigue, dark urine, upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain, low appetite, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Tapeworm Infections Causing Cysts in Body Organs That Unknowingly Also Affect the Brain: Occasionally, individuals with tapeworm infections that cause cysts in body organs may not be aware that their brain is also affected. When these individuals take Albendazole to treat their tapeworm infection, they may be at risk of developing increased pressure in and around the brain, severe headaches, and seizures. These reactions occur as the tapeworms die within the brain. To prevent these complications, your healthcare provider might conduct tests to check for tapeworm infections in the brain before you start taking Albendazole.
• Bone Marrow Problems (Such As Aplastic Anemia, Agranulocytosis, Pancytopenia, and Granulocytopenia): Use Albendazole with caution if you have these conditions, as it may worsen them.
• Cysticercosis Involving the Eye: Patients being treated for neurocysticercosis with Albendazole should undergo examinations for eye lesions. Taking this medication may heighten the risk of eye or vision problems.
• Liver Disease or Elevated Liver Enzymes: Use Albendazole cautiously if you have liver disease or elevated liver enzymes, as it may increase the risk of more severe side effects.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Concerns:

• Animal studies indicate that Albendazole may harm the fetus. There are no comprehensive studies of Albendazole’s effects on pregnant women.
• Albendazole should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the fetus and if no alternative treatments are available.
• Women capable of becoming pregnant should only start treatment after a negative pregnancy test.
• Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after stopping Albendazole therapy.
• If a patient becomes pregnant while taking Albendazole, the medication should be stopped immediately, and the patient should be informed about the potential risks to the fetus.
• The presence of Albendazole in human breast milk is unknown, although it is found in animal milk. Nursing mothers should use caution, as many medications can pass into breast milk.

Albendazole is contraindicated for use in patients who:

• Have hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients (active or inactive) present in the medication
• Are pregnant or suspect a pregnancy due to the potential harm to the unborn baby
• Are less than two years of age

To get the most benefit from Albendazole tablets for parasitic infections, it is essential to stay consistent with dosage, set a time that is most convenient for you, and take it around the same time each day to help you remember to take it. If you have missed a dose and are uncertain regarding when to use it, you should ask your doctor or healthcare provider or follow the instructions given below:

• If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take double doses to make up for the missed one.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

You should not take Albendazole more than the prescribed dose or more often than recommended by your doctor or healthcare provider, as it can lead to an overdose. Albendazole overdose may cause vomiting, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, and increased heart rate. Overdose is treated with symptomatic and supportive care. In case of an overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control immediately.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

To ensure the potency and accuracy of the medication you are using, it is essential that you follow proper storage instructions. When you buy affordable Albendazole for treating worms, you should ask your pharmacist or medical giver how to store it properly. You can also follow the instructions given below:

• Keep this medication in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Avoid freezing.
• Store it out of reach of children.
• Refrain from holding on to expired or unneeded medicine.
• Consult your healthcare professional on how to properly dispose of any unused medicine.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Certain medications may interact with Albendazole, further reducing its effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects. To prevent and manage this, you should tell your doctor or healthcare provider about all the medicines you use or plan to use including all prescription medicines, over-the-counter remedies, herbs, or vitamin supplements. This information helps doctors and their patients identify and manage potential drug interactions with Albendazole. Some of the medicines which may interact with this medication may include:

• Antacid Cimetidine: Used to decrease stomach acidity, it can affect how Albendazole works in your body.
• Anti-seizure Medications: Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and Phenobarbital may alter the effect of Albendazole.
• Praziquantel: Commonly used for treating worm infections, it might interact with Albendazole and alter its effectiveness.
• Ritonavir: Used in HIV/AIDS treatment, it might change the effectiveness or increase the side effects of Albendazole.
• Dexamethasone: An immune system suppressant, can impact the way your body responds to Albendazole.

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Albendazole. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

What Are the Other Albendazole Interactions?

Dietary Restrictions

• Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking Albendazole, as it can increase the medication’s absorption, reducing its availability in the bloodstream and potentially altering its intended effect.

Interactions with Food & Beverages

• Albendazole should be taken with food. Taking it on an empty stomach can hinder its absorption and reduce its effectiveness.
• It is still not completely understood if drinking alcohol will affect how Albendazole works, but it is believed that consuming alcohol in heavy amounts may slow your immune response and make it tougher for your body to fight infections.

While Albendazole for managing intestinal parasites is considered to be an effective treatment option, it may not be suitable for use in everyone due to contraindications or other reasons, such as failing to provide desired results, which lead to people looking for alternatives to Albendazole. While many effective substitutes to this medication are available on the market, it should not be used without talking to your doctor or healthcare provider. Based on factors such as the patient’s tolerability, age, condition, and other factors, they will help decide which medication works best for them. Some of the most popular alternatives to Albendazole include:

• Emverm (mebendazole)
• Pinworm Medicine (pyrantel)
• Stromectol (ivermectin)
• Ascarel (pyrantel)
• Alinia (nitazoxanide)
• Pamix (pyrantel)
• Vermox (mebendazole)
• Pinworm (pyrantel)
• Pin-X (pyrantel)
• Albenza (Albendazole)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Many factors, such as health insurance coverage plan, prescription type, duration, and the pharmacy you choose to obtain Albendazole online from, can influence the price of obtaining it at a reduced price. Many Americans find out that their health insurance plan does not include medications such as Albendazole for parasitic infections, which further leads to significant out-of-pocket costs, which makes it difficult for people to seek treatment. Due to this reason, many people turn to online Canadian pharmacies, including Polar Bear Meds, which enables them to buy Albendazole from Canada in the USA from the convenience of their home and have it delivered to their doorstep. Furthermore, first-time buyers can buy Albendazole with coupon WELCOMEPB10, which gives them an additional 10% off on their first order at checkout.

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