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Overview: Albendazole is a tablet that is taken by mouth to treat infections caused by certain types of worms. The most common side effects are stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, headache, dizziness or vertigo, fever, hair loss, and changes in certain blood levels. Before taking albendazole, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is albendazole used for?

Albendazole is commonly used to treat certain infections caused by tapeworms, such as neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease. 

Albendazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does albendazole work (mechanism of action)?

Albendazole kills certain types of worms that cause infections.

How is albendazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Albenza

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 200 mg oral tablets

How should I store albendazole?

Albendazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of albendazole?

The most common side effects of albendazole are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Changes in liver enzyme levels
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Hair loss
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Fever
  • Increased pressure around the brain
  • Stiffness/pain in the neck and sensitivity to bright lights

There may be other side effects of albendazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of albendazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of albendazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Albendazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking albendazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Bone Marrow Suppression. Albendazole may cause your bone marrow to not make enough cells. This can lead to low blood levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils. Bone marrow suppression can lead to infections or bleeding. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bone marrow suppression.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking albendazole. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use albendazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take albendazole.

  • Albendazole
  • Albenza
  • Any other medicine known as a benzimidazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific albendazole products they stock.

What should I know about albendazole before using it?

Do not take albendazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. It is important to complete your prescribed course of albendazole, even if your symptoms get better or go away. 

Do not share albendazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep albendazole out of the reach of children.

If you or your child are unable to swallow the tablet whole, it may be crushed or chewed. Each dose should be taken with food and a glass of water.

Albendazole can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how albendazole affects you.

Albendazole may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, your healthcare provider may ask you to take a pregnancy test before you start albendazole. To prevent pregnancy, you should use an effective method of birth control while you are taking albendazole and for three days after stopping albendazole. 

If you are being treated for an infection in the brain, ask your healthcare provider if you need an eye exam before starting this medicine. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe other medicines to help reduce your symptoms during treatment with albendazole. It is important to take these other medicines as prescribed for the full length of time directed by your healthcare provider.

Keep all follow up-appointments. Your healthcare provider may need to monitor your bloodwork and check to make sure that your infection is gone. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using albendazole?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if albendazole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Blood disorders
  • Eye or vision problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Seizures or epilepsy

Other Medicines and Supplements. Albendazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking albendazole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Albendazole may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if albendazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does albendazole interact with foods or drinks?

Albendazole should be taken with food and a glass of water. You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking albendazole.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect albendazole, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does albendazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking albendazole.

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn
  • Dexamethasone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Praziquantel, which is a medicine used for worm infections
  • Theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with albendazole. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much albendazole?

If you or someone else has used too much albendazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of albendazole?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.