When taking a medicine to treat a parasitic infection, it is important to understand how it works, how to use it correctly, and what side effects to look out for. In this simple-to-read Albendazole FAQ for beginners, we aim to provide helpful information regarding this medication.

Whether you are taking Albendazole or caring for someone who is, the following should offer a general overview of the medicine.

What Is Albendazole?

Albendazole is an anthelmintic medicine that is used to treat a variety of parasitic infections caused by different worms. The drug may be used for infections involving certain types of roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm, as well as infections due to other types of helminths.

Albendazole primarily works by blocking tubulin and nutrient uptake in susceptible parasites, which inhibits the parasite’s ability to absorb nutrients – ultimately leading to death in many cases.

How Does Albendazole Work?

Albendazole acts on vital intracellular processes in sensitive parasite species. This includes disrupting essential nutrient intake in the parasite, and the formation and function of the cell structures known as microtubules.

In cases where the Albendazole tablets are damaging or killing the parasites, these worms will typically be cleared from the body over time. The speed at which this occurs will depend on the infection being treated.

Is Albendazole Suitable for Everyone?

Whilst Albendazole 400 mg is generally safe and effective for many people, this medicine is not suitable for use in everyone.

Individuals who are pregnant or have liver problems, or those with a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to Albendazole, should consult their doctor for specialist advice prior to taking this medicine. Pregnant women, in particular, should ensure that any decision to use Albendazole is made in close consultation with a doctor, since the choice to use this drug will depend on a number of factors, including the type and severity of the infection and the stage of pregnancy.

The same applies for children – a suitable treatment for paediatric patients may not be the same as what is given to an adult.

How Should I Take Albendazole?

The correct dosage, duration and food instructions will depend on the type of infection being treated, and the requirements for each individual patient.

Albendazole is taken orally, and food can significantly affect the amount of drug that is absorbed. Food advice, in particular, may vary significantly depending on the type of infection.

Depending on the reason for treatment Albendazole can be taken as a single dose, or over a period of several days or longer. Always ensure that you are following the guidance of your doctor or pharmacist, rather than simply taking Albendazole for any type of infection.

Never alter a prescribed course of treatment without first getting advice from a medical professional.

What Are the Common Side Effects of Albendazole?

Like all drugs, Albendazole can cause some adverse side effects – although many people tolerate the drug well and experience little or no discomfort when taking it.

These common Albendazole side effects that have been reported include:

• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling tired or experiencing headaches
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Diarrhoea
• Temporary or permanent loss of body hair with extended use or high doses of the drug

More serious issues with Albendazole use can arise – particularly with prolonged courses of treatment. Always consult your doctor if you experience unexplained bruising, persistent fever or abdominal pain, jaundice or symptoms of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Can Albendazole Interact with Other Medicines?

Albendazole can interact with some types of medicine – making it important to disclose all the drugs you are taking prior to starting treatment.

Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital and Phenytoin are known to interfere with the metabolism of Albendazole. There are also a number of other potential interactions that should be considered.

Avoid altering the dose of either of the medicines that you are taking – always seek specialist medical advice before changing anything.

How Long Does It Take for Albendazole to Work?

There is no definitive time frame for Albendazole, since each type of infection will react to treatment in a slightly different way. The drug begins working as soon as it is taken, interrupting the lifecycle of susceptible worms and supporting their gradual removal from the body – however it can take weeks to months before symptoms begin to improve.

Depending on the type of infection you are experiencing, you may need to take Albendazole for just a few days or for several weeks. Albendazole can also be taken as a single dose if you are being treated for certain intestinal worm infections.

Never assume that treatment is not working simply because your symptoms have not improved immediately, or within a very short time frame. Your type of infection and the speed at which your body reacts to the treatment will both play a role in this. If you are unsure what to do, always consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Is Albendazole Available Over the Counter in the UK?

The availability of Albendazole in the United Kingdom depends on a number of factors, including the purpose for which you are wanting to take the medication. Some infections and treatments may require a healthcare professional to supervise the treatment process.

You should never attempt to self medicate based purely on the information you read online – since doing so could result in an inappropriate course of treatment and place your own health or the health of others at risk.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Follow the directions that have been supplied with your treatment, or consult your pharmacist for further advice about any missed dose. For many drugs, a dose that is missed can be taken as soon as you remember it, so long as this is not too close to the next dose. The advice required for each Albendazole treatment course, however, can vary significantly in each case. Never take an extra dose of medicine simply because you have forgotten to take one unless you are instructed to do so by a medical professional.

Missed dose recommendations for many drugs are given alongside the treatment schedule or instructions. These should always be followed – or, if a course of treatment does not contain them, ask your pharmacist for a recommendation.

What Are Some Other General Tips for Taking this Medicine?

Maintaining appropriate hygienic practices can help prevent reinfection in many intestinal worms infections. To help prevent these infections, consider:

• Washing your hands thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet and before eating.
• Keeping your fingernails trimmed and clean.
• Washing fruit and vegetables before eating them.
• Following local advice on general hygiene to prevent the spread of infection.
• Following any specific hygiene practices recommended by your doctor in relation to the type of infection you have.

The recommended food instructions will vary depending on which type of infection you have and what treatment you are taking. In some cases, Albendazole must be taken with food, so it is important to follow the directions that have been given for your treatment, or ask your pharmacist or doctor for further advice.

When Should I Consult a Doctor About Albendazole?

Albendazole side effects generally do not require a person to seek emergency help – however if you are experiencing any potentially life threatening issues, such as an extreme allergic reaction to the medication or other problems, it is essential that you contact your healthcare provider for advice as soon as possible.

You should also contact your doctor if you feel extremely tired, experience any yellowing of the eyes or skin (known medically as jaundice or icterus), or suffer from persistent vomiting or diarrhoea when you are on a course of treatment.

Other warning signs to look out for include severe abdominal pain, and unusual bruising during a long course of treatment.

Medical attention is particularly important if you are on a high dose or long-term course of Albendazole.

Summary

The above Albendazole FAQ section has provided a general overview of the use of one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for a number of parasitic infections. The drug can treat a variety of conditions, but the correct Albendazole dosage will vary significantly between each type of infection and individual patient.

In particular, the correct length of treatment, duration guidelines, and food instructions, can vary between each separate regimen.Albendazole will also have a different pattern of side effects depending on each patient and the length of their course of treatment – with prolonged Albendazole courses in particular sometimes requiring specialist monitoring.

Always ensure that you are taking your medication in the correct way and consult your doctor if you are experiencing any concerning side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Albendazole be taken with other medicines?

Albendazole can usually be taken alongside other medicines – however there are some drugs that may cause issues. Always consult your pharmacist or doctor before combining this treatment with other drugs.

Should I take Albendazole without medical advice?

Albendazole should only be taken when there is a medical need and the correct course of treatment has been advised. The type of treatment required will depend on your own circumstances as well as what parasite you are infected with.

Should Albendazole always be taken with food?

Albendazole should not necessarily always be taken with a meal or snack. This is because food can affect the levels of the drug in your body. The correct advice required will depend on the type infection and treatment you are receiving.

Will Albendazole use affect pregnancy?

Albendazole is not generally used during pregnancy – so if you are pregnant or could be pregnant it is important that you speak to your doctor for further medical advice.

Does Albendazole treat every worm infection?

Albendazole treats certain types of worms and infections, but not every worm infection is treatable by this drug. Speak to your doctor about the type of infection that you have to ensure that you receive the correct treatment.