Albendazole

Albendazole is generally prescribed to treat diseases like neurocysticercosis (affecting the brain, muscles and other tissues) and giardiasis (intestinal infection). This drug is an antiparasitic drug. It is used for treating several diseases caused by an infestation of parasitic worms.

It also treats hydatid disease, pinworm disease (intestinal infection), ascariasis (gastrointestinal infection), filariasis (affecting the lymph nodes and vessels) and others. The drug falls under the group of drugs known as anthelmintics.

It expels the parasitic worms either by stunning them or killing them without causing notable damage to the host body. The anthelmintic drug kills the sensitive parasites in your body.

Before you start this medication, you must inform your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions:

• Blockage in the biliary tract
• Liver disease
• A low blood count (low platelet, white cell or red cell count)

Also inform the doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, breast-feeding mother or In case you are allergic to Albendazole, or any other medicines or food.

In case you forget to take a dose of this medication, you can take it as soon as you remember it. Do not take two doses together just because you missed one. It should also be kept in mind not to stop your medicines before the prescribed time, even if you think you are feeling better.

Apart from that, you must consult your child’s paediatrician before using this tablet to treat your child’s condition. Take according to prescribed dosage schedule with meals.

You may experience loss of hair (reversible); dizziness or headaches (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks that require alertness until response to drug is known). Report unusual fever, abdominal pain, unresolved vomiting, yellowing of skin or eyes, darkening of urine, or light colored stools.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

• Neurocysticercosis

• Hydatid Disease

• Systemic Infections

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

• Hypersensitivity

• Pregnancy

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

• Stomach Pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Rash

• Urticaria

• Alopecia

• Altered Liver Function Test

• Allergic Reaction

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  This drug is broken down in the liver and remains active in the body for an average of 8.5-9 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  This drug is poorly absorbed from the Gastro-intestinal tract and reaches its peak levels within 2-5 hours of administration.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  It is suspected to cause harm to the developing fetus in pregnant women. Since there is a lack of conclusive evidence from studies on human, it is not recommended for use. However, its usage could be considered in cases where the potential benefits outweigh the risks associated.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendencies were reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  It is not excreted in the breast milk. It is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming the drug.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  No relevant information available. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

• Does this affect liver function?

  It cause an increase in LFTs. Thus dose is needed to be adjusted. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is unknown whether it is safe or not to consume Albendazole with alcohol.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  Albendazole may affect the alertness of the patient taking it.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  The missed dose should be taken as soon as one remembers. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, then one should skip the missed one.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  One should contact the Doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Albendazole as ingredient

• Tiobend 400 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Zybend 400 MG Tablet

  Zydus Cadila

• Zentel 400 MG Tablet

  Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Zybend 200 MG Suspension

  Zydus Cadila

• X Worm 200 MG Suspension

  Cipla Ltd

• Zeebee 200 MG Suspension

  Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd

• Abide 400 MG Tablet

  Laborate Pharmaceutical Ltd

• Alvela 200 MG Suspension

  Shrinivas Gujarat Laboratories Pvt Ltd

• Bendex 400 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Zeebee 400 MG Tablet

  Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

This active constituent gets converted into sulfoxide form and causes degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubules and tegmental cells. It results in depletion of energy and metabolic processes and the parasites are killed.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Clozapine

  Any sign or symptom of infection should be properly reported. Usage of either of the drugs should be reported to the Doctor so that safer alternatives can be prescribed.

  Dexamethasone

  Suitable adjustments in the dosage is to be made under doctor's supervision before this drug is prescribed along with dexamethasone

  Praziquantel

  Suitable adjustments in the dosage is to be made before this drug is prescribed along with Praziquantel

  Carbamazepine

  Suitable adjustments in the dosage of this medication along with monitoring of levels by the Doctor is recommended.

  Phenytoin

  Suitable adjustments in the dosage of it, along with monitoring of levels by the Doctor is recommended.

• Interaction with Food

  Grapefruit Juice

  Albendazole should not be taken with grapefruit juice in order to avoid the unpredictable effect. Administer with a high fatty diet.

• Interaction with Disease

  • Discontinue therapy if LFT elevations are significant; may restart treatment when decreased to pretreatment values.
  • Becoming pregnant within 1 month following therapy is not advised.
  • Corticosteroids should be administered 1-2 days before albendazole therapy in patients with neurocysticercosis to minimize inflammatory reactions and steroid and anticonvulsant therapy should be used concurrently during the first week of therapy for neurocysticercosis to prevent cerebral hypertension.
  • If retinal lesions exist in patients with neurocysticercosis, weigh risk of further retinal damage due to albendazole-induced changes to the retinal lesion vs benefit of disease treatment.

• Ques : What is Albendazole?

  Ans : The drug falls under the group of drugs known as anthelmintics. It gets converted into sulfoxide form and causes degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubules and tegmental cells.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Albendazole before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication should be consumed, until the complete eradication of the disease. Thus it is advised to use, till the time directed by your doctor. Also taking this medication longer than it was prescribed, can cause an inadequate effect on the patient's condition.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Albendazole?

  Ans : The duration of effect for this medicine is dependent on the severity of the patient’s condition. Therefore the frequency of usage of this medication will vary from person to person. It is advised to follow the proper prescription of the doctor, directed according to the patient's condition.

• Ques : Should I use Albendazole empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. The salts involved in this medication react properly if it is taken after having food. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Albendazole?

  Ans : This medication contains salts which are suitable to store only at room temperature, as keeping this medication above or below that, can cause an inadequate effect. Protect it from moisture and light. Keep this medication away from the reach of children.

• Ques : Can Albendazole be considered as an antibiotic?

  Ans : Albendazole is an anthelmintic drug, an antibiotic. It is used for treating several parasitic infections.

• Ques : For what is Albendazole used?

  Ans : It is used for treating infections caused by ​worm-like parasites​, like the ​ human pinworm​, roundworm​, hookworms like Necator americanus, whipworm, chinese liver fluke​. It is advisable to take this drug only after consultation of a doctor as there are worms for which this medicine could be ineffective.

• Ques : How does Albendazole work?

  Ans : It works by destroying larva and the adult form of the targeted worm by ​ impeding​ tubulin polymerization causing depletion of energy and reducing mobility of the specified worm, thus, killing it.

• Ques : Can Albendazole be taken along with fluconazole?

  Ans : Yes, it can be taken along with any other drug as no drug-drug interactions have been reported between both of them. Though, inter activities may occur so it is suggested to consult a doctor before trying both of them simultaneously.

• Ques : Is it safe to take Albendazole?

  Ans : Albendazole is a safe drug provided it is taken in prescribed doses for the specified period of time told by your doctor.

• Ques : Can Albendazole treat pinworms?

  Ans : Albendazole is used for treating pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis). It also acts against larval and adult stages. Still, consulting a doctor beforehand is necessary for worm infections.

• Ques : Is Albendazole considered as an over the counter product?

  Ans : It’s a prescription medicine and not an over the counter (OTC) product.

• Ques : Is Albendazole safe to take under G6PD deficiency?

  Ans : Albendazole is safe to take for people having G6PD deficiency.

• Ques : Can Albendazole destroy tapeworms?

  Ans : Albendazole can be used to treat ​ Dwarf tapeworm and beef tapeworm.​ Consulting a doctor is very important before using this drug as it is ineffective for certain worms.

• Ques : Can Albendazole be the reason diarrhoea?

  Ans : Albendazole doesn’t commonly cause ​ diarrhoea​ . Please consult your doctor if you experience diarrhea after taking it.

• Ques : Does Albendazole work efficiently?

  Ans : Albendazole works efficiently if taken in doses prescribed by your doctor for specified duration of time.

• Ques : Can Albendazole treat scabies?

  Ans : Albendazole cannot treat scabies. You should visit your doctor and get yourself diagnosed properly if you think you are having scabies.

• Ques : Can this drug kill eggs?

  Ans : Albendazole cannot destroy or kill the eggs of the worms. It only acts for the impediment of larva and the adult form of the targeted worm.

• Albendazole- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/albendazole

• Albendazole - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2021 [cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00518

• ALBENDAZOLE 200 MG- albendazole tablet, film coated- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a5b09ffd-6ebe-cd89-e053-2995a90aa281