Albendazole

Albendazole treats parasitic infections. Take this medication with food.

Albendazole Overview

Reviewed: October 10, 2013
Updated: 

Albendazole is a prescription medication used to treat neurocysticercosis (infection caused by pork tapeworm) and cystic hydatid disease (infection caused by dog tapeworm). Albendazole belongs to a group of drugs called antihelmintics. It works by preventing worms from growing and multiplying in the body.

This medication comes in tablet form. It is taken twice daily, with food. For young children, the tablets should be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water.

Common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and headache. Albendazole may also cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

How was your experience with Albendazole?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking Albendazole?

What are you taking Albendazole for?

Choose one
  • Other
  • Ancylostomiasis
  • Clonorchiasis
  • Echinococcosis
  • Enterobiasis
  • Giardiasis
  • Helminthiasis
  • Hymenolepiasis
  • Necatoriasis
  • Neurocysticercosis
  • Opisthorchiasis
  • Toxocariasis
  • Trichuriasis

How long have you been taking it?

Choose one
  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Albendazole work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Albendazole to a friend?

Pill Images

{{ slide.name }}
pill-image {{ slide.name }}
Color: {{ slide.color }} Shape: {{ slide.shape }} Size: {{ slide.size }} Score: {{ slide.score }} Imprint: {{ slide.imprint }}
<<
Prev
{{ slide.number }} of {{ slide.total }}
>>
Next

Uses of Albendazole

Back to Top

Albendazole is a prescription medication used to treat tapeworm infections including:

  • neurocysticercosis infection in the muscles, brain, and eyes caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Tania solium.
  • hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Albendazole Brand Names

Back to Top

Albendazole may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Albendazole Drug Class

Back to Top

Albendazole is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Albendazole

Back to Top

Serious side effects have been reported. See "Drug Precautions" section.

Common side effects including:

  • stomach pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • headache
  • dizziness

This is not a complete list of albendazole side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.