Albendazole is a drug used to treat diseases caused by tapeworm infections, such as:cysticercosis or echinococcosis. This medicine should only be used with a doctor's prescription.
Albendazole is an antihelmintic drug that works by damaging the cells in the worm's intestines so they can't absorb sugar, so the worms run out of energy and die.
In addition to treating tapeworm infections, albendazole can also be used to treat other helminthic infections, such as:ascariasis, trichuriasis, enterobiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, or hookworm infection.
Albendazole drug brand:Albendazole, Vermic, Zolkaf
What is Albendazole
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antihelminthic |
| Benefit | Overcoming worm infection |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Albendazole for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Albendazole may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, chewable caplets and suspensions |
Warnings Before Taking Albendazole:
Albendazole should not be taken carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before taking albendazole:
- Do not take albendazole if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, bile duct obstruction, retinal problems, or blood and bone marrow disorders.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking albendazole if you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an overdose, drug allergic reaction, or a more serious side effect after taking albendazole.
Dosage and Instructions for UseAlbendazole
The dose of albendazole will vary for each patient. The doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment according to the patient's condition and the dosage form of albendazole. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Cysticercosis
- Adults weighing <60 kg: 15 mg/kgBW per day, which is divided into 2 consumption schedules with a duration of treatment for 8-30 days. The maximum dose is 800 mg per day.
- Adult weighing 60 kg: 400 mg, 2 times a day with a duration of treatment for 8–30 days.
Condition:Echinococcosis
- Adults weighing <60 kg: 15 mg/kgBW per day, which is divided into 2 consumption schedules. The maximum dose is 800 mg per day.
- Adult weighing 60 kg: 400 mg, 2 times a day.
Condition:Ascariasis, trichuriasis, or pinworm infection
- Mature: 400 mg single dose
Condition:Migratory larva cutaneous
- Mature: 400 mg once daily for 1-3 days
For pediatric patients, the dose will be determined by the doctor according to the condition of each patient.
How to take Albendazole dit's true
Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow the doctor's recommendations for taking albendazole. Do not increase or decrease the dose without the doctor's permission.
Albendazole can be taken with food. If you have trouble swallowing, albendazole can be crushed or chewed first.
Take this medicine regularly at the same time every day. Do not increase the dose, reduce the dose, or stop taking this drug without the doctor's permission even though the condition has improved, because it is feared that the infection may recur.
Store albendazole at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Albendazole Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that may occur if you take albendazole with other drugs:
- Increased blood levels of albendazole when used with praziquantel, dexamethasone, or cimetidine
- Decreased blood levels of albendazole when used with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or ritonavir
Effect SAmping and DangerAlbendazole
The following are side effects that may appear after taking albendazole:
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Stomach ache
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Signs of liver damage, such as jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, light-colored stools, or abdominal pain
- Seizures, severe headaches, extreme fatigue, or changes in behavior
- Fever, not feeling well, or sore throat
- Visual disturbance
- Easy bruising