What is this medication?

ALBENDAZOLE (al BEN da zole) is an antiparasitic. It is used to treat infections of tapeworms or other parasites.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Albenza

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• biliary tract blockage
• liver disease
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to albendazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth. You can crush or chew this medicine and swallow with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• cimetidine
• dexamethasone
• praziquantel
• theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional as directed. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 1 month after stopping it. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control methods. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor or health care professional right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• fever, chills, sore throat
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including the inside the mouth
• seizures
• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
• unusual bleeding, bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• hair loss
• headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.