Albendazole is an anti-helmintic drug available in tablet form and it is prescribed for the treatment of parasitic Infections. Get to know how Albendazole works, its side effects, precautions, and contraindications where Albendazole is not suggested.

Overview

Albendazole medication can be used in the prevention, control, and treatment of following diseases and conditions such as Whipworm infection, Pinworms infections, Tapeworm infections, Roundworm infections, Threadworm infections, Parasitic skin infection, Eosinophilic lung disorders and other conditions etc.  This drug is manufactured and marketed by Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd and it is available 30 tablets per strip.

Albendazole Composition and Active Ingredients

The Albendazole Tablet consists of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate – 100mg, as an active ingredient.

How Does Albendazole Work?

Diethylcarbamazine Citrate is an anti-helminthic drug. It works by killing the parasites and worms.  This drug restrains worms from absorbing and feeding on glucose digested by the human intestine. In the absence of glucose, the worm loses energy and become weak, then eventually dies. Other drugs like Diethylcarbamazine Citrate prescribed to treat filarial infections such as loiasis, and lymphatic filariasis, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, caused by infection with Brugia malayi Wuchereria bancrofti.

Albendazole Uses and Benefits

Albendazole Tablet is used to treat bacterial infections in adults and also to control prevention and improvement of the following diseases, infections:

• Whipworm infection
• Pinworms infections
• Roundworm infections
• Threadworm infections
• Filaria worms parasitic infection
• Tapeworm infections
• Infection of parasites on the skin
• Eosinophilic lung disorders
• Inflammatory diseases
• Enlarged limb
• African Eye Worm
• River blindness

Albendazole should be taken only if recommended by your doctor. Because it is not an over the counter medicine.

Albendazole Side Effects

Albendazole can cause side effects but do not always occur.  And it is safe for pregnant women, breastfeeding, children and old age patients. There are no reported side effects of discontinuing the treatment. Consult your health expert if you notice any of the following side effects, especially if they do not go away:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite

Albendazole Contraindications

Albendazole tablet should not be used if you are having the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity

Precautions while taking Albendazole

If you take other drugs or over the counter products at the same time, the effects of the Albendazole may change. This may cause your drug not to work properly or increase your risk for side-effects. Notify your health expert about other medicines, supplements etc., if you are currently using, that helps your physician to prevent or manage drug interactions. Some health problems may make you more susceptible to the side effects of the drug. Ask the physician for directions to use or follow the instructions printed on the product insert. Dosage is based on your condition. Tell your health expert if your condition persists or worsens. Essential counseling points are listed below.

• Renal disease
• Cardiac disease
• Glucose-galactose malabsorption
• The Lapp lactase deficiency
• History of convulsions
• Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance

Drug interactions of Albendazole

If you use other drugs or mix with certain foods or beverages with Albendazole the effects may change. This may increase the risk of side effects or it causes the drug not to work properly. Albendazole may interact with the following drugs. This list of drugs that interact with the Albendazole is for example only. The medicine may interact with a few other medications also. Consult your doctor before using any other medication along with this one to avoid any unwanted and undesired side effects as a result of drug interactions.

• Cimetidine
• Dexamethasone
• Praziquantel
• Theophylline

Substitutes for Albendazole

The below listed are the following drugs which have the same composition, Strength, and form as Albendazole 100mg Tablet, Hence can be used as its substitutes:

• Dicarb 100Mg Tablet – Inga Laboratories Pvt Ltd
• Hetrazan 100Mg Tablet – Pfizer Ltd
• Zentel 400 mg

FAQ’s about Albendazole

Can I take Albendazole in pregnancy?

Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your physician.

Are there any breastfeeding warnings?

Albendazole tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult your physician.

Is it safe to drive after taking Albendazole?

Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

Does Albendazole affect kidney function?

Caution to be advised in patients with impaired renal function.

Does Albendazole affect liver function?

No, it does not alter liver function, it is not necessary to change the dose.

Is Albendazole safe to take with alcohol?

If u takes Albendazole with alcohol, may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness.

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