DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Albendazole (al-BEN-da-zole)
Brand Name: Albenza

Albenza is used for:

Treating infections caused by tapeworm.

Albenza is an anthelmintic. It works by killing parasites (tapeworms) by interfering with their metabolism.

Do NOT use Albenza if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Albenza

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Albenza :

Some medical conditions may interact with Albenza . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are a woman of childbearing age, pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver disease

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Albenza . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Theophyllines because the risk of side effects may be increased by Albenza

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Albenza may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Albenza :

Use Albenza as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Albenza with food or milk.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Albenza .
• If you miss a dose of Albenza , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Albenza .

Important safety information:

• Albenza may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Albenza . Using Albenza alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Women should take a pregnancy test before starting to take Albenza . Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking Albenza and for 1 month after you complete your treatment with Albenza .
• LAB TESTS, including white blood cell counts and liver function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Albenza if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Albenza during pregnancy. It is unknown if Albenza is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast feeding while you are using Albenza , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Albenza :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fever; seizures; severe headache; sore throat; unusual bruising; vision changes or problems.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Albenza :

Store Albenza at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Albenza out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Albenza , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Albenza is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Albenza . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.