Albenza (Albendazole) Review

Albenza, which is generically prescribed as albendazole, is commonly used to treat infections caused by worms, such as dog tapeworm or pork tapeworm. Albenza is a member of the family of drugs known as antihelmintics. Albenza prevents worms from multiplying and growing inside the body.

Albenza is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a history of liver disease, kidney disease, and bowel disorders may not be able to take Albenza or may require careful monitoring depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated this medication as a pregnancy risk category C. It has yet to be determined whether Albenza will cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. It has yet to be determined whether Albenza will pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect and nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman unless absolutely necessary. The physician should discuss whether the benefits outweigh the risks before prescribing this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman, or women who are likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Albenza, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical intervention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms which include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, and tongue. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical attention include symptoms such as severe abdominal problems and severe vomiting.

Less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, dizziness, or fever. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Albenza.

Albenza should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms which include nausea, vomiting, tremors, quivering, and abdominal cramping.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Albenza. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with a known negative interaction include dexamethasone, praziquantel, and cimetidine.

Albenza should be taken for as long as it has been prescribed, even if symptoms start to dissipate. This infection may take as long as three months to clear up, and it needs to be medicated properly. Purging, fasting, and laxatives are useless in clearing up this type of infection. Patients who have stopped this medication should avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month.