Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 200mg
Neurocysticercosis (Taenia Solium Tapeworm)
>60 kg: 400 mg PO BID x 8-30 days
<60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day divided BID PO x 8-30 days; not to exceed 800 mg/day
Hydatid (Echinococcus Tapeworm)
>60 kg: 400 mg PO BID x 28 days, THEN 14 drug-free days x 3 cycles
<60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day divided BID PO, no more than 800 mg/day x 28 days, THEN 14 drug-free days x 3 cycles
Ancylostoma, Ascariasis, Hookworm, Trichostrongylus
400 mg PO once
Capillariasis
400 mg PO qDay x10 days
Larva Migrans, Cutaneous & Trichuriasis
400 mg PO qDay x 3 days
Larva Migrans, Visceral
400 mg PO BID x 5 days
Enterobius (Pinworm)
400 mg PO once, repeat in 2 weeks
Fluke (Clonorchis Sinensis)
10 mg/kg PO qDay x7 days
Gnathostomiasis, Microsporidiosis
400 mg BID x 21 days
Administration
Take with food
Monitor: CBC, LFTs
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 200mg
Neurocysticercosis (Taenia Solium Tapeworm)
<60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day divided BID PO x 8-30 day; no more than 800 mg/day (maximum total daily dose, 800 mg)
>60 kg: 400 mg BID x 8-30 day
Hydatid (Echinococcus Tapeworm)
<60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day divided BID PO, no more than 800 mg/day x 28 days, THEN 14 drug-free days x 3 cycles
>60 kg: 400 mg PO BID x 28 days, THEN 14 drug-free days x 3 cycles
Ancylostoma, Ascariasis, Hookworm, Trichostrongylus
400 mg PO x1 day
Capillariasis
400 mg PO qDay x10 days
Larva Migrans, Cutaneous & Trichuriasis
400 mg PO qDay x 3 days
Larva Migrans, Visceral
400 mg PO BID x 5 days
Enterobius (Pinworm)
400 mg PO x 1, repeat in 2 weeks
Other Information
Administration
- Take with food
- If unable to swallow, may crush tablet & drink with water
Monitor
- CBC, LFTs
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (1)
- ropeginterferon alfa 2b
ropeginterferon alfa 2b, albendazole. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Myelosuppressive agents can produce additive myelosuppression. Avoid use and monitor patients receiving the combination for effects of excessive myelosuppression.
Monitor Closely (4)
- acalabrutinib
acalabrutinib, albendazole. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration may increase risk of myelosuppressive effects.
- fosphenytoin
fosphenytoin decreases levels of albendazole by increasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Fosphenytoin decreases levels of albendazole active metabolites; monitor for decreased efficacy.
- grapefruit
grapefruit will increase the level or effect of albendazole by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- phenytoin
phenytoin decreases levels of albendazole by increasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Phenytoin decreases levels of albendazole active metabolites; monitor for decreased efficacy.
Minor (2)
- dexamethasone
dexamethasone increases levels of albendazole by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- praziquantel
praziquantel increases levels of albendazole by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
>10%
Headache
- Neurocysticercosis (11%)
- Hydatid disease (1.3%)
Abnormal LFT
- Hydatid disease (15.6%)
- Neurocysticercosis (<1%)
1-10%
Abdominal pain
- Hydatid disease (6%)
Nausea/vomiting
- Hydatid disease (3.7%)
- Neurocysticercosis (6.2%)
Dizziness/vertigo
- Hydatid disease (1.2%)
- Neurocysticercosis (<1%)
Increased intracranial pressure
- Neurocysticercosis (1%)
Meningeal signs
- Neurocysticercosis (1%)
Alopecia (reversible)
- Hydatid disease (1.6%)
- Neurocysticercosis (<1%)
Fever
- Hydatid disease (1%)
<1% (selected)
Rash
Urticaria
Agranulocytosis
Aplastic anemia
Bone marrow suppression
Granulocytopenia
Pancytopenia
Thrombocytopenia
Hepatitis
Acute liver failure
Acute renal failure
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to albendazole or benzimidazoles
Cautions
Monitor theophylline levels if used concomitantly
Potential for bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia & agranulocytosis; monitor blood counts in all patients at the beginning of each 28-day cycle of therapy, and every 2 weeks while on therapy; discontinue therapy if clinically significant changes in blood counts occur
Pre-existing neurocysticercosis may be uncovered in patients treated w/ albendazole for other conditions, apparent by neurological symptoms (eg, seizures, increased intracranial pressure, focal signs); promptly treat w/ corticosteroid & anticonvulsant therapy
Obtain pregnancy test in women of reproductive potential prior to therapy and avoid usage in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative management is appropriate; discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs and apprise patient of potential hazard to fetus
Risk of retinal damage in retinal cysticercosis; cases of retinal involvement reported; examine patient for presence of retinal lesions before initiating therapy for neurocysticercosis
Reversible elevations of liver enzymes may occur; monitor liver enzymes before start of each treatment cycle and at least every 2 weeks while on therapy and discontinue if clinically significant elevations occur; patients with abnormal LFTs and hepatic echinococcosis are at increased risk of hepatotoxicity; discontinue therapy if LFT elevations >2 times upper limit of normal; may consider restarting treatment when LFT values return to pretreatment levels
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, the drug may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman; however, available human data from a small number of published case series and reports on use of multiple-dose in the first trimester of pregnancy, and several published studies on single-dose use later in pregnancy, have not identified any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes
Pregnancy testing recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating therapy
Contraception
- Females: May cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman; advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 days after final dose
Animal data
- In animal reproductive studies, oral administration of albendazole during period of organogenesis caused embryotoxicity and skeletal malformations in pregnant rats (at doses of 0.10 times and 0.32 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m2) and pregnant rabbits (at doses of 0.60 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m2); drug was also associated with maternal toxicity in rabbits (at doses of 0.60 times recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m2); advise a pregnant woman of potential risk to fetus
Lactation
Concentrations of drug and active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, reported to be low in human breast milk; there are no reports of adverse effects on breastfed infant and no information on effects on milk production
Developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need nd any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from drug or from underlying maternal condition
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Causes degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubule in intestinal and tegmental cells of intestinal helminths
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: <5%; may increase up to 4-5 times with a fatty meal
Distribution: Well inside hydatid cysts & CSF
Protein Bound: 70%
Metabolism: Hepatic; extensive first-pass effect; pathways include rapid sulfoxidation (major), hydrolysis, & oxidation
Half-life: 8-12 hr
Peak Plasma Time: 2-5 hr
Excretion: urine (<1% as active metabolite); feces
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| albendazole oral - | 200 mg tablet |  | |
| albendazole oral - | 200 mg tablet |  | |
| albendazole oral - | 200 mg tablet |  | |
| albendazole oral - | 200 mg tablet |  | |
| albendazole oral - | 200 mg tablet |  | |
| albendazole oral - | 200 mg tablet |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
albendazole oral
ALBENDAZOLE - ORAL
(al-BEN-da-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Albenza
USES: This medication is used to treat certain tapeworm infections (such as neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with meals as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. If you or your child have trouble swallowing tablets, you may crush or chew your dose and take it with water.For some conditions (such as hydatid disease), your doctor may direct you to take this medication in a treatment cycle (for example, twice daily with meals for 28 days then stopping the medication for 2 weeks). Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. If your doctor directs you to take this medication in a treatment cycle, it may be helpful to mark the calendar with a reminder of when you need to restart the medication.Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Other medications (such as corticosteroids, anti-seizure medications) may also be prescribed for your current condition. Take those medications exactly as directed by your doctor.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, or temporary hair loss may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe headache that doesn't go away, vision changes, yellowing eyes/skin, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, unusual tiredness, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), confusion, very stiff neck.Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking albendazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs (such as mebendazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, biliary tract problems (such as blockage), blood/bone marrow disorders.This medication may cause liver problems. Because drinking alcohol increases the risk of liver problems, limit alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using albendazole. Albendazole may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 days after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function tests, complete blood counts) should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2021. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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