Print
Email
How should I take albendazole?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Albendazole should be taken with food.If you have trouble swallowing an albendazole tablet, you may crush or chew the tablet and then drink a full glass of water to swallow it.
Albendazole is sometimes given in a cycle of 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks of not taking the drug. This cycle is usually repeated until a total of 3 cycles have been given.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Albendazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.Albendazole can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store albendazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an albendazole overdose are not known.What should I avoid while taking albendazole?
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
What are the possible side effects of albendazole?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these-
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
-
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
-
fever with chills, body aches, or flu-like symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect albendazole?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
-
praziquantel (Biltricide); or
-
theophylline (Elixophyllin, Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl, and others).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with albendazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about albendazole.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Drug Info Tools
