Albendazole Tablet: What It Treats, Side Effects, and Cost

Overview brief

Albendazole is a prescription antiparasitic agent used to kill or inhibit the growth of a variety of parasitic worms. In the United States it is typically prescribed for certain tapeworm and tissue-invasive helminth infections. For precautionary actions besides the reciprocal contact between individuals commentary see the sections on Caution: Safety Be advised and Interaction Potential Between Medications.

• Medicine's active ingredient albendazole
• Common tablet strength: 400 mg (scored tablets frequently available)
• The pharmacological the engine of action: interferes with parasite microtubules and glucose uptake, causing parasite death

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice from your clinician.

Primary Uses and Signs and symptoms

Physicians select albendazole for a range of helminth infections. In U.S. practice the most frequent evidence include:

• Taenia solium larval neurocysticercosis
• Echinococcus species are the etiologic agents of hydatid disease.
• Selected intestinal helminth infections such as ascariasis, hookworm, trichuriasis, and infections that respond to benzimidazoles

If you are unsure whether albendazole is appropriate for your illness, consult your health care provider or verify Related Medications and Different choices.

How should albendazole be taken

Comply with the exact regimen your prescriber provides. General practical points include:

• Take by mouth with food; a meal containing some fat helps absorption.
• If swallowing tablets is difficult, they may be crushed or chewed and taken with a small amount of water.
• Example dosing patterns used in practice:
  • Many intestinal worm infections: a single 400 mg dose for adults and children older than 2 years, though regimens vary by organism.
  • Neurocysticercosis: often 400 mg twice daily for 8 to 30 days; corticosteroids and antiepileptic therapy may be given concurrently if indicated.
  • Hydatid disease: frequently 400 mg twice daily in 28 day cycles with intermittent rest periods; this is managed by specialists.

Dosing adjustments may be necessary for children under 60 kg, patients with liver impairment, and other special populations. See continuous oversight guidance under Critical Safety System warnings.

How to Proceed After a Dose skipped accidentally

If you skip your dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is due soon. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one. If you miss multiple doses, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for instructions.

Protocols for the warehouse provides ample storage for all shipments.

Keep albendazole at controlled room temperature, roughly 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Store in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Avoid keeping medicines in the bathroom. Do not allow children or pets to reach this.

Safety Compliance warnings and Cautions

Do not take albendazole if you have known allergy to albendazole or related benzimidazoles. Seek immediate medical care for signs of a severe allergic reaction such as widespread rash, swelling of the face or tongue, or breathing difficulty.

Before you initiate albendazole, tell your clinician if any of the following apply:

• Pregnancy, trying to conceive, or currently breastfeeding
• Existing liver disease, abnormal liver test results, or heavy alcohol use
• Retinal disease or other serious eye conditions
• History of bone marrow suppression, low white blood cell count, or low platelets
• Any medication, over the counter product, or herbal supplement you are taking (see Interaction Potential Between Medications)

Additional preventive actions:

• Giddiness can occur. Until you know how albendazole affects you, avoid driving or operating machinery and avoid alcohol.
• Rarely albendazole may suppress bone marrow function. Report fever, sore throat, unexplained bruising, bleeding, or persistent tiredness to your provider.
• For prolonged courses clinicians typically monitor complete blood count and liver function tests at baseline and periodically thereafter.
• The young under one year: safety and effectiveness are not well established; use caution.
• Pregnancy: avoid use when pregnant. People who could become pregnant should have a negative pregnancy test before starting therapy and use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after stopping.
• Breastfeeding: it is not clear whether albendazole passes into human milk. Discuss possible risks and benefits via your clinician.

Medicines Interaction

Several medicines can alter albendazole levels or increase the chance of adverse events. Inform your prescriber about every medication and supplement you use. Common mutual interaction considerations include:

• Medicines that can raise albendazole exposure or its effects: cimetidine, dexamethasone, praziquantel
• Medicines that may lower albendazole concentrations: phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, rifampin, St. John's wort
• Other important notes: theophylline toxicity may be worsened if used with albendazole; clinical the act of monitoring is advised

This list is only partial. Always check first. with your pharmacist or clinician before starting or stopping any medicine. For safety supervision and monitoring guidance see Important Safety Environmental warnings.

Possible medication negative effects

While many patients tolerate albendazole without serious problems, harmful bodily effects can occur.

Common and generally mild reactions include:

• Pain in the head
• Nausea and emesis
• Abdominal region discomfort
• Vertigo

Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following serious signs:

• Severe allergic symptoms: widespread rash, hives, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe pain in the right upper abdomen
• Marked reduction in urine output or painful urination
• Increased temperature, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection
• Severe adverse skin reactions such as blistering or peeling.
• Paroxysmal events, vision disturbances, or severe persistent dizziness or throbbing head pain
• Unusual bruising, bleeding, or extreme weakness

If you have concerns about symptoms, contact your health care provider and go over Safety Warning Notices.

Other Options for Similar Medications

Treatment choice depends on the infecting organism. Do not change treatments without medical advice. Standard alternate options used in the United States include:

• Mebendazole - belongs to the same broad class; used for several intestinal worms and often given as a short course or single dose depending on the infection
• Ivermectin - preferred for strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis; weight based dosing and often given as single or short courses
• Praziquantel used in therapy - first line for schistosomiasis and many tapeworm infections not covered by albendazole
• Pyrantel pamoate - available over the counter for pinworm in the USA; typically a single dose with a repeat dose recommended for household contacts
• Nitazoxanide - active against certain protozoa and some helminths; available as tablets or oral suspension

To review costs, see the rate sheet table. USD Pricing (Approximate). For regulatory and access matters see The Legal Standing of People in the United States.

Estimated USD Pricing

Out of pocket retail prices vary greatly by pharmacy, region, and insurance coverage. These are approximate ranges for common strengths and formulations and can change over time.

• Albendazole: roughly 5 to 60 USD per 200 mg tablet at retail pharmacies; a 400 mg tablet or dose may cost about 10 to 120 USD. Longer multiweek courses will increase total cost.
• Mebendazole: approximately 10 to 80 USD per 100 mg tablet depending on brand and availability.
• Ivermectin: around 2 to 8 USD per 3 mg tablet; total expense depends on weight-based dosing.
• The pharmacologic agent Praziquantel: about 4 to 12 USD per 600 mg tablet; full regimens require multiple tablets.
• Pyrantel pamoate (OTC): typically 8 to 20 USD for a household treatment package.

Generic products are usually less expensive than brand-name versions. If cost is a concern, ask your pharmacist about generics, therapeutic substitutes, patient assistance, or discount programs.

How Status of Legality is Defined in the United States

• Prescription status: albendazole is available by prescription only in the United States; it is not a controlled substance.
• Over-the-counter options: pyrantel pamoate is sold OTC for pinworm; most other systemic anthelmintics such as mebendazole, ivermectin, and praziquantel typically require a prescription.
• Generic substitution: where state law permits, pharmacists may substitute FDA-approved generic albendazole for brand products unless the prescriber prohibits substitution.
• Importation rules: bringing prescription medicines into the United States is generally restricted. Importing albendazole from abroad without meeting FDA exceptions may be unlawful.
• Pregnancy and reproductive rules: because of potential fetal risk, use is usually avoided during pregnancy; effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for at least one month after the final dose. See Alert: Safety Alert signals.
• Work and driving: if dizziness or other impairing effects occur, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. See Safety Warning alerts and Cautions.

Brief FAQs

Is crushing albendazole tablets allowed? Yes. If swallowing is difficult, tablets may be crushed or chewed and taken with a small amount of water. See How should albendazole be taken.

What should I do if I forget to take one of my doses? Take the failure to take a dose as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses in a single sitting. See Skipped Dose Guidance.

Do we need any laboratory tests? For longer courses your clinician may request baseline and periodic blood counts and liver function tests. See Notice: Safety Be advised.

Are there cheaper options? Potentially yes. Discuss generic choices and backup proxies with your prescriber and pharmacist. See Approximate Prices (USD).

Short Synopsis

Albendazole is an effective prescription antiparasitic used in the United States for selected worm infections. It is best taken with food, requires following prescriber instructions, and may need laboratory the act of monitoring during extended treatment. Watch for conversational exchanges fuel collaboration and innovation. and side effects and verify legal and access requirements in the The State of the Law in the United States subsection.