Type of medicine: anthelmintic (antiworm)
Generic and brand names: albendazole, oral; Albenza
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat several types of worm infections.
It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant because it may harm the baby. Take this medicine only after you have had a negative pregnancy test. Use an effective method of birth control to avoid becoming pregnant during this treatment and for 1 month after the treatment is stopped. If you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take it with food or after meals to avoid stomach upset. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed for as long as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval even if you start to feel better.
If you have trouble swallowing the tablets whole, the tablets may be chewed or crushed and then swallowed with a drink of water.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
During treatment with this medicine, you will need blood tests regularly to find out how this medicine may be affecting your liver or bone marrow. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Because worms may be passed from person to person, your healthcare provider may want to treat all family members at the same time.
Practice good hygiene to avoid spreading or getting worms again. Change undergarments, bed linens, nightclothes, and towels daily, and wash them in very hot water. Disinfect toilets daily. Do not shake clothing because the eggs are very light and can be spread in the air. Keep everything very clean to get rid of worms.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any signs of an infection (sore throat, cough, fever), yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, light-colored bowel movements, problems urinating, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness or tiredness, seizures, severe skin rash, peeling, or blisters.
Other: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, stiff neck, hair loss.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
