This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Albendazole (Zentel) Consumer Information
ALBENDAZOLE
Generic Name: albendazole (al BEN da zole)
Brand Names: Albenza
What is the most important information I should know about albendazole?
- Do not take albendazole if you are pregnant. Avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month following albendazole therapy.
- Take albendazole with food to lessen stomach upset.
What is albendazole?
- Albendazole is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in your body.
- Albendazole is used to treat infections caused by worms such as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm.
- Albendazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take albendazole?
- Before taking albendazole, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have, especially liver disease. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy if you have liver problems.
- Albendazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take albendazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Pregnancy should also be avoided for at least 1 month following therapy with albendazole.
- It is not known whether albendazole passes into breast milk and how it might affect a nursing baby. Do not take albendazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take albendazole?
- Take albendazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take albendazole tablets with food to lessen stomach upset.
- Take all of the albendazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. It can take 30 days to 3 months to treat this infection.
- Fasting, laxatives, or purging will not help to cure this infection.
- Store albendazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention or call a poison control left near you.
What should I avoid while taking albendazole?
- Do not take albendazole if you are pregnant. Avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month following treatment with albendazole.
- There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while you are taking albendazole unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.