Albendazole is an anthelmintic (an-thel-MIN-tik) or anti-worm medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body.

Albendazole is used to treat certain infections caused by worms such as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm.

Albendazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Albendazole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control while taking albendazole and for at least 3 days after your last dose.

Albendazole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food twice a day. When albendazole is used to treat neurocysticercosis, it is usually taken for 8 to 30 days. When albendazole is used to treat cystic hydatid disease, it is usually taken for 28 days, followed by a 14-day break, and repeated for a total of three cycles. Take albendazole at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take albendazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are giving the medication to a child or if you cannot swallow the tablets whole, you may crush or chew the tablets and swallow the medication with a drink of water.

Take albendazole until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking albendazole too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with food.

If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may crush or chew it and swallow with a full glass of water.

You may be given other medicines to prevent certain side effects of albendazole, or certain effects that can result when the parasites die within your body.

Albendazole doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

Use albendazole for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Albendazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Albendazole can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests.

Your liver function may also need to be checked every 2 weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to albendazole, or to similar drugs such as mebendazole.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• eye problems (especially a problem with your retina);

• liver disease; or

• bone marrow suppression.

Albendazole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine and for at least 3 days after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Albendazole may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, feeling light-headed;

• a seizure; or

• increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Common side effects of albendazole may include:

• headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, confusion;

• fever;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• dizziness, spinning sensation; or

• temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• dexamethasone;

• praziquantel; or

• cimetidine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect albendazole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order an eye exam before beginning your treatment. Your doctor will also order certain lab tests during your treatment to check your body's response to albendazole.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Albendazole is generally well-tolerated.

Depending on the type of infection you have, it could take up to three days before you start to feel the effects of albendazole.

Your dosage will depend on your medical condition, age, weight, and other factors.

The maximum dose is 800 milligrams (mg) a day.

Albendazole may also be used to treat infections caused by other types of worms, including roundworms, hookworms, threadworms, whipworms, pinworms, flukes, or other parasites.