Albendazole: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Currently, the group of drugs to treat helminths, especially tapeworm infections is relatively diverse, one of the most effective drugs is Albendazole.

Albendazole is an anthelmintic agent, indicated for patients with tapeworm infections (such as neurocysticercosis and cysticercosis).

Albendazole used orally, after meals as directed by the doctor, take 1 to 2 times a day. For adults or children who have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, the patient can crush or chew the tablet and take it with plenty of water.
For some tapeworm infections (hydatid disease when small tapeworm infections), the doctor may instruct the patient to take Albendazole in a certain cycle (eg, 2 doses) every day after meals for 28 consecutive days, then stop for 2 weeks). Note that the patient needs to follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Albendazole dosage based on weight, depending on the level of tapeworm infection and ability to respond to the drug of each person

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Patients need to take Albendazole regularly and regularly to achieve the best effect. To help the patient remember, take it at the same time each day. For the case of a cycle treatment, the user can mark in the calendar when to use or stop Albendazole.
Patients need to continue taking Albendazole as prescribed by the doctor, do not stop the drug even if the symptoms disappear. Stopping Albendazole too soon can cause the tapeworm infection to return.
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Some other measures and drugs to treat helminthiasis (such as anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, antiepileptic drugs) can be used together with Albendazole. At that time, patients need to follow the doctor's instructions about the use of the above drug groups. A note when taking Albendazole is to limit eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice unless your doctor or pharmacist allows it and it must be safe. Grapefruit may increase your risk of albendazole side effects.

Side effects when using Albendazole include:
Nausea, vomiting; Stomachache; Headache; Temporary hair loss. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.

Some other more serious side effects include:
Severe headache that persists and shows no signs of abating; Vision changes; Yellow eyes, yellow skin; Abdominal pain, heaviness, dark urine; Unusual fatigue; Easy bruising or unusual bleeding; Signs of infection such as persistent sore throat, fever, chills... Abnormalities related to the kidneys such as changes in the amount of urine; Confusion; stiff neck; Convulsions. If you experience any of the above serious side effects, you should immediately contact your doctor for timely treatment. Albendazole has a very low rate of causing serious allergic reactions. However, if the patient develops a rash or swelling with itching of the face, lips and throat, notify the medical staff as soon as possible. Patients may experience undesirable side effects in addition to the signs listed above. At that time, please report the status to me

When using antihelminthic drugs, the patient should inform the doctor about any allergies to Albendazole, other benzimidazole dewormers (such as mebendazole), or any other allergies. Some medical history should be considered before using Albendazole to treat tapeworm infections:
Liver disease; Biliary tract problems (such as biliary obstruction); Hematopoietic disorders or bone marrow abnormalities. Albendazole may cause unwanted effects related to liver function. Concomitant alcohol use increases the risk of these problems, so alcohol should be limited while taking this helminthic medication.
The doctor should be informed if the patient is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Patients should not become pregnant while using Albendazole. This medicine for tapeworm infections Albendazole can harm an unborn baby. Therefore, before starting treatment, the doctor may order a test about the patient's ability to become pregnant. In addition, patients should use reliable methods of contraception during and for at least 3 days after stopping Albendazole. For pregnant women, consult your doctor about the possible risks to the baby. Albendazole may pass into breast milk, consult your doctor before giving it to a nursing mother.

A drug interaction is a factor that changes how a drug works, affects its main effect, or increases the risk of serious side effects. List and share a list of all your products (including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products) with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine, including Albendazole, without your doctor telling you to.
Albendazole is only used for the patient's current tapeworm infection. Do not use it for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
Patients need to be examined and have some tests done (such as liver function tests, complete blood count) before starting and during use of Albendazole. Patients need periodic follow-up and repeat tests to monitor disease status and side effects. If the patient misses a dose, take it as soon as possible when you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual schedule. Store Albendazole at room temperature, away from direct light and high humidity, away from children and pets.
Albendazole is an antihelminthic drug, indicated for patients with tapeworm infections. For the medication to be effective, the patient must follow the doctor's instructions.

Reference source: webmd.com