What is Albendazole?
Albendazole is an antiparasitic medicine that treats infections caused by tapeworms and other parasitic worms.
Conditions Treated with Albendazole:
- Neurocysticercosis: Infections from pork tapeworms affect the brain, muscles, and eyes, potentially causing seizures, swelling, and vision issues.
- Cystic Hydatid Disease: Infections from dog tapeworms affecting the lungs, liver, and peritoneum, often treated with surgery.
Albendazole, part of the antihelmintic drug class, also treats intestinal worms, liver flukes, lungworms, stomach worms, and tapeworms in humans, cattle, and sheep.
How Albendazole Work?
Albendazole, an anthelmintic, disrupts the cellular structure of worms by:
- Binding to beta-tubulin and hindering microtubule formation is crucial for cell division and transport.
- Weakening energy metabolism and impairing cellular functions.
This process inhibits the parasite's survival, leading to its death and effectively treating infections.
How to Take Albendazole Tablets?
Albendazole is a prescription medication; you should follow your doctor's instructions. Please take it as directed, not exceeding 800 mg daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew or break it. Ensure doses are taken at fixed intervals, and complete the entire course to eliminate parasites and prevent resistance. However, sometimes it may take 3 to 7 days to ensure effective results. Consult your doctor before stopping or changing the dosage.
What if I Miss a Dose of Albendazole?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one and resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate. Consult your doctor if you need help with how to proceed.
What if I Consume an Overdose of Albendazole?
Overdosing on Albendazole may cause symptoms like severe headache, difficulty breathing, or feeling faint. If an overdose occurs, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control centre for assistance.
What are the Side effects of Albendazole?
Albendazole may cause mild side effects that typically do not require medical attention. However, consult a doctor immediately if they worsen or become serious. Possible side effects include:
Common Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and flu-like symptoms.
Severe Reactions:
- Changes in vision
- Seizures
- Fever, chills, and sore throat
- Unusual bleeding
- Increased liver enzymes
- Allergic reactions
Other Effects: Hair loss
If you experience severe symptoms or allergic reactions, seek medical help immediately.
What are the Drug Interactions for Albendazole?
Albendazole can interact with certain medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you are taking.
Medications That May Interact with Albendazole:
- Praziquantel
- Dexamethasone
- Theophylline
- Cimetidine
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining Albendazole with other drugs to ensure safe and effective treatment.
What are the Disease Interactions for Albendazole?
Albendazole may be unsafe in certain medical conditions and requires caution. Inform your doctor if you have any of the following before taking Albendazole:
- Liver Disease: Requires monitoring and potential dose adjustment.
- Pregnancy or Trying to Conceive: Albendazole may harm an unborn baby.
- Low Blood Counts: Such as reduced white or red blood cell counts.
- Biliary Tract Blockage May complicate treatment.
- Allergic Reactions: Albendazole or its inactive ingredients, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Seizures (Fits): Use cautiously if you have a history of seizures.
- Bone Marrow Suppression: Requires medical evaluation before use.
Always consult your doctor to assess the risks and benefits of these conditions.
What are the Precautions and Safety Advice for Albendazole?
- Allergies: Avoid Albendazole if allergic to its ingredients. Inform your doctor about any history of allergies.
- Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol with Albendazole; it increases the risk of side effects.
- Breastfeeding: Safe for use during breastfeeding, but consult your doctor for personalized advice.
- Alertness: Albendazole may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or vision issues. Avoid driving or tasks requiring focus if affected.
- Pregnancy: Avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 1 month after stopping Albendazole. Discuss effective birth control methods with your doctor. Albendazole may harm an unborn baby.
- Kidney Disease: Likely safe for patients with kidney conditions, but disclose your medical history and consult your doctor.
- Liver Disease: Use with caution if you have liver disease. Dose adjustments may be needed, and report symptoms of jaundice, such as yellowing skin/eyes, clay-coloured stools, or itching.
- Children: Not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
Always consult your doctor for specific guidance based on your condition.
How should I store Albendazole tablets?
Store Albendazole tablets at a dry and average room temperature. Avoid keeping it in a moist place and out of reach of children and pets.
Summary:
Albendazole treats parasitic infections by disrupting the parasites’ cells, killing them, and clearing the infection.
Use of Albendazole is generally safe but requires caution for those with liver issues, pregnancy, or other conditions. Follow dosage instructions, consult a doctor as needed, and store properly for effectiveness.
