Description of Albenza

Albenza is a medicine prescribed to get rid of worms in the human body. People buy Albenza to get rid of tapeworms, flukes and roundworms. The generic name of the drug is Albendazole. It is available in tablet form. It is classified as an anthelmintic.

Indications & Dosage of Albenza

Albenza is used for getting rid of all types of worms that invade the human body. The drug treats neurocysticercosis; these are lesions caused by the tapeworm found in pork. People also buy Albenza for the treatment of Hybatid disease, which is caused by a tapeworm found in dogs. Albenza is also widely used in Africa for the treatment of lymphatic fliariasis.

The drug attacks the cells that make up the intestines of the worms. This leads to degeneration and eventual death of the worm. Albenza is administered orally in the form of tablets. If the tablet is too big for children, it can be crushed and given as a powder with water.

The dosage of Albenza is determined as per the weight of the patient. Patients weighing more than 60 kg are given two tablets of 400 mg per day. Albenza is given with meals. In patients weighing less than 60 kg, the drug is given with a multiplier of 15mg per kg per day. The total intake per day is limited to 800mg. The drug is prescribed for a period of 28 days. A gap of fourteen days is to be maintained, and the treatment is again repeated for the same number of days. This cycle is repeated three times.

In the case of the pork tapeworm, the period of treatment can be anywhere between 8 days to 30 days. In this case the patient has to buy Albenza as well as some steroids that are usually prescribed by the physician.

Side Effects & Interactions of Albenza

Albenza may cause some abdominal pain. It may also lead to headache and nausea. It can also lead to a temporary loss of hair. The patient should remember that the doctor has prescribed Albenza with the best interests of the patient in mind. The advantages far outnumber the side effects of the drug.

The doctor is immediately to be informed if the patient feels sudden tiredness, bleeding or bruising, an allergic rash or swelling. Any trouble in breathing should also be reported. These are possible side effects that are not generally seen in patients using this medicine.

The drug may interact with praziquantel, cimetidine and theophyline. It is imperative to inform the physician about all the drugs being taken by the patient.

Warnings & Precautions of Albenza

The physician should be made aware of all allergies that the patient may have, including any to Albendazole. The entire medical history of the patient should be given to the doctor. Special care should be taken if the patient suffers from any disease of the liver or biliary tract. Albenza should not be taken by pregnant women. Women taking this drug should take precautionary measures to prevent pregnancy. The suggested means of birth control is birth control pills and condoms. The precaution against getting pregnant holds even till after one month of stopping the drug.