Albenza (Albendazole)

Description

Albenza (albendazole) is taken orally to kill parasitic worms; it is classified as an anthelmintic. 

Used to treat symptoms of parenchymal neurocysticercosis, Albenza kills a pork tapeworm called Taenia solium. Albenza can also treat cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum caused by the larval forms of a dog tapeworm called Echinococcus granulosus.

Directions

The instructions and information leaflets that are provided with your prescription should be reviewed. If you have any questions or concerns about your prescription, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

Albenza comes as a 200 mg oral tablet.

Patients who weigh 60 kg or more should take 400 mg by mouth twice daily; take with food.

Patients who weigh less than 60 kg should take 15 mg per kg per day in divided doses twice daily; take with food. Do not take more than 800 mg per day.

You and your doctor should go over your dosing schedule and cycles:

• Three cycles of taking Albenza for 28 days followed by a 14-day Albenza-free period should be followed by patients with hydatid disease.

• Taking Albenza for 8 to 30 days is recommended for patients with neurocysticercosis.

Ingredients

Albendazole is contained in each Albenza tablet. Inactive ingredients in each tablet include carnauba wax, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium saccharin, sodium starch glycolate, and starch.

Contraindications

Avoid taking Albenza if you have an allergy to benzimidazoles or to any of the ingredients or excipients contained in Albenza.

Cautions

• Before starting treatment with Albenza, tell your doctor:
• If you take any medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements
• About any allergies you may have
• If you have any health conditions 
• If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Albenza can cause suppression of the bone marrow; this can be fatal.
• Use an effective form of birth control while taking Albenza; taking this medication may cause harm to an unborn baby. 
• Increased intracranial pressure, seizures, or focal neurologic problems after starting treatment with Albenza may occur in patients with neurocysticercosis. Steroids and anticonvulsant therapy can be prescribed.
• The retina should be checked for retinal lesions before beginning treatment with Albenza for neurocysticercosis.
• An increase in liver enzymes can be caused by Albenza. 

Side Effects

Immediately talk to your doctor if you begin to experience bothersome or persistent side effects. Liver function test abnormalities, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, reversible hair loss, headache, dizziness, fever, increased intracranial pressure, and meningeal signs are some of the most common side effects associated with Albenza.

Reference:

Albenza (albendazole) tablets, for oral use. Hayward, CA: Impax Specialty Pharma; 2019.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....