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(Albendazole)
Prescription required. May be split. Product of Turkey. Shipped from Mauritius.
Albenza (albendazole) is a prescription antiparasitic medication belonging to a class of drugs known as anthelmintics. It is used to treat infections caused by tapeworms and other parasitic worms.
Albendazole works by inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin, a protein essential for the structure of parasitic cells. This process enables the body’s immune system to eliminate the dead parasites, thereby resolving the infection over the course of treatment.
Albendazole is effective against both larval and adult stages of susceptible parasites.
Albenza is primarily prescribed to treat infections caused by tapeworms, including:
Neurocysticercosis: an infection caused by the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), which can affect the brain and nervous system.
Hydatid disease (echinococcosis): caused by the dog tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus), which can form cysts in organs like the liver or lungs.
Doctors may also prescribe Albenza off-label for other parasitic infections depending on the clinical situation. Albenza is considered a broad-spectrum antihelmintic and antiprotozoal agent.
To comply with Canadian International Pharmacy Association regulations you are permitted to order a 3-month supply or the closest package size available based on your personal prescription. read more
Take Albenza exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read accompanying medication guides.
Take with food to enhance absorption.
If swallowing whole tablets is difficult, you may crush or chew the tablet and swallow it with a full glass of water.
Dosing is often based on body weight, especially for children and adolescents.
You may be prescribed additional medications (such as corticosteroids or anticonvulsants) to manage inflammation or seizures caused by the body's response to dying parasites.
Continue taking Albenza for the full duration prescribed, even if symptoms improve early. Stopping too soon may lead to treatment failure or recurrence.
Before using Albenza, inform your healthcare provider if you have or have had:
Liver disease
Bone marrow suppression
Eye problems, particularly involving the retina
Pregnancy:
Albenza may harm an unborn baby. Do not use if pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Women of reproductive age should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 days after the final dose.
A negative pregnancy test may be required before starting therapy.
Breastfeeding:
The safety of Albenza in breastfeeding is unknown. Talk to your doctor about risks if you are breastfeeding.
Monitoring:
Frequent blood tests are required during treatment to monitor for low white blood cell counts, changes in liver function, or other adverse effects.
Always take Albenza with food to increase the drug's effectiveness.
No other specific dietary restrictions are necessary unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. It may be recommended to avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Maintain good hydration and nutrition during treatment to support your immune system and overall recovery.
If you miss a dose:
Take it as soon as you remember.
If it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Serious side effects (seek medical attention immediately):
Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing
Seizures
Symptoms of bone marrow suppression: fever, sore throat, mouth sores, dizziness
Increased intracranial pressure: severe headache, vision problems, pain behind the eyes, ringing in ears
Common side effects may include:
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Elevated liver enzymes (seen in blood tests)
Headache, dizziness, light sensitivity
Fever, neck stiffness
Temporary hair loss
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. Side effects can also be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Store Albenza at room temperature (between 68°F and 77°F or 20°C to 25°C).
Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from moisture and heat.
Do not use expired medication or tablets that appear discolored or damaged.
Avoid close contact with individuals who have infections, as Albenza may temporarily reduce white blood cell counts and weaken immune defenses.
Albenza may interact with other drugs, especially:
Dexamethasone (a steroid)
Praziquantel (another anti-parasitic)
Cimetidine (used for ulcers or reflux)
Theophylline (used for asthma)
Always provide your doctor with a full list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking.
Albenza is not effective against viral infections, such as colds or the flu.
The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.