Albendazole brands and prices in Pakistan

About Albendazole

Albendazole is an anthelmintic (worm-killing) medicine. It kills certain worms and tapeworm larvae that live in the gut, liver, lungs, brain and other parts of the body. It comes as tablets, including chewable tablets for children and people who cannot swallow tablets whole. It is a prescription medicine.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you are allergic to albendazole, to related medicines such as mebendazole, or to anything in the tablet.
• Pregnancy: albendazole may harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy should be ruled out before it is started, and you should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period afterwards, as your doctor tells you. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant. The Rwandan leaflet says it should not be used in pregnancy; the US label says only if there is no alternative; the WHO leaflet says safety is not fully established.
• Breastfeeding: sources differ. The WHO leaflet says it is usually considered acceptable, while the US label and the Rwandan leaflet advise caution. Ask your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or kidney disease. Blood and liver tests may be needed, especially with longer courses.
• If you are being treated for an infection in the brain, your doctor may check your eyes first and may give steroid or anti-seizure medicine alongside.
• Tell any doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking it before surgery.
• Some tablets contain lactose, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate or a food dye. Tell your doctor if you have a galactose problem, liver or kidney disease, or if the patient is a newborn or very young child.
• Albendazole is started and monitored by a doctor for serious infections such as brain and liver cysts.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Cimetidine and similar stomach-acid medicines (H2 blockers) can raise albendazole levels
• Dexamethasone and other steroid medicines
• Praziquantel
• Ritonavir
• Carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin (epilepsy medicines)
• Theophylline (asthma medicine); blood levels may need checking
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, supplement and herbal products.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it exactly as your doctor or the label says. Take the full course even if you feel better.
• Albendazole is usually taken with food. Follow your own label or leaflet.
• If you cannot swallow the tablet, ask your pharmacist whether it may be chewed or crushed.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Do not take two doses together.
• Be careful when driving or using machines until you know how it affects you, because it can cause dizziness.
• Do not share it with others. This medicine was prescribed for you.
• Store in the original container, away from heat, damp and light, out of reach of children. Do not flush it; ask a pharmacist how to dispose of leftovers.

Common questions

Does albendazole treat all worms?
No. It works against several kinds of worms and tapeworm larvae, but the right medicine depends on the type of infection. A doctor or health worker should decide.

Can I take albendazole if I might be pregnant?
Tell your doctor first. It may harm an unborn baby, so pregnancy should be ruled out before treatment, and you should use effective contraception while taking it and for a time afterwards.

Why might I need blood tests?
Albendazole can affect the liver and lower blood cell counts, especially with longer courses. Blood tests help your doctor catch problems early.

Is it used in mass deworming programmes?
Yes. WHO describes albendazole (or mebendazole) as a safe, cost-effective way to treat children in areas where gut worms are common.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.