Drug Uses

Albenza (Albendazole) is indicated for the treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm. This medicine may also be used for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm.

How Taken

Albendazole should be taken with food.

Warnings/Precautions

Albendazole may cause fetal harm, therefore, you should begin treatment after a negative pregnancy test. During therapy, because of the possibility of harm to the liver or bone marrow, routine (every 2 weeks) monitoring of blood counts and liver function tests should take place. Talk to your doctor about possible harm to the fetus if you plan on becoming pregnant while on Albendazole or within 1 month of completing treatment.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Possible Side Effects

The symptoms are usually mild and resolved without treatment.

Storage

Store between 20° and 25°C (68° and 77°F).

Overdose

In case of overdosage, symptomatic therapy and general supportive measures are recommended. Seek emergency medical attention.

More Information

If you suffer of hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole class of compounds or any components of Albendazole, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information. Albendazole instructions for use. The active substance (INN), Albendazole Application of Albendazole: Neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval form of pork tapeworm (Taenia solium); echinococcosis of the liver, lung, peritoneum, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus), strongyloidiasis. Albendazole contraindications: Hypersensitivity (including to other benzimidazole derivatives), retinal pathology, pregnancy. Side effects: liver function abnormalities with a change in liver function tests (mild or moderate increase in transaminase level), inhibition of bone marrow blood (leukopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia), fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, meningeal symptoms, increased blood pressure, acute renal failure, alopecia, rash, itching and other allergic reactions. Interaction: Dexamethasone and cimetidine increase the concentration of Albendazole sulfoxide in the blood. Overdose: Treatment: symptomatic, gastric lavage, activated charcoal. Dosing and dose: Inside, during a meal. Dose determined individually, depending on the type of helminth and the patients body weight; neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease: patients with body weight 60 kg or more - 400 mg 2 times a day, less than 60 kg - 15 mg / kg / day in 2 divided doses, the maximum daily dose - 800 mg treatment: with neurocysticercosis - 8-30 days, in echinococcosis - 3 cycles of 28 days with 14 day break between cycles. Precautions: Precautions are used for liver disorders (before and during treatment with regular control of its functions), breast-feeding. Recommended to monitor blood counts, in the event of leukopenia suspend therapy. In women of childbearing age before treatment is carried out a test for the absence of pregnancy. During therapy is mandatory reliable contraception.