Reviewed by Ashley Robinson, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager for TelyRx
Albendazole is a prescription medication that is used to treat infections caused by various worms and parasites that can inhabit the body, including tapeworm, hookworm, and pinworm.
Albendazole is available in tablet and liquid form. Common side effects include headache, elevated liver enzymes, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Albendazole works by preventing parasites from absorbing glucose (sugar). Parasites rely on glucose for energy to survive and reproduce. Without the necessary energy, the parasite is unable to survive and eventually dies.
| Common Brands | Albenza |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Benzimidazole anthelmintic |
| Generic Status | Generic version of Albenza |
| Availability | Prescription Only |
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs.
Dosing for albendazole depends on the person’s body weight and the type of infection being treated.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Albendazole is FDA-approved to treat parasitic infections caused by tapeworms. These include:
You may see albendazole prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a very common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
Albendazole may be prescribed “off-label” for infections caused by pinworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
Like all medications, albendazole can cause side effects. Common side effects may improve as your body adjusts to the medication, but others can be serious and may require medical attention.
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using albendazole and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Albendazole may interact with other medications, potentially affecting how they work or increasing the risk of side effects. These include:
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
Why do I need to take albendazole with a fatty meal?
Taking Albendazole with a fatty meal helps your body absorb the medication much better than taking it on an empty stomach.
How long does it take for albendazole to kill pinworms?
Clinical guidelines for pinworm treatment often recommend a second dose two weeks after the first. This spacing helps ensure that any eggs that may have hatched after the initial dose are also eliminated.
Do I need to take a second dose of albendazole?
It depends on what you are treating. For pinworm infections, a second dose is typically taken two weeks after the first dose. For other tapeworm infections, the medication is taken daily for weeks or months, sometimes in repeated cycles. Always follow your provider’s instructions.
What is the difference between albendazole and mebendazole?
Both medications are in the same family of drugs known as benzimidazole anthelmintics. They work in a similar way, by interfering with the parasite’s ability to absorb sugar (glucose) and essentially starving the worm of the energy it needs to survive. Dosing regimens and specific FDA-approved indications may differ between the two.
Does albendazole kill the eggs of the parasite?
Albendazole works by preventing the parasite from absorbing sugar, causing it to lose energy and die. In the context of pinworms, the entire household is often treated because eggs are easily spread and can cause reinfection.
Can albendazole cause hair loss?
Yes, reversible thinning or loss of hair has been reported as a side effect of Albendazole.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction to albendazole?
Signs of a serious allergic reaction include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat; trouble swallowing or breathing; wheezing; racing heart; fever; and skin reactions like rash, itching, or hives.
Does albendazole affect your liver?
Yes, Albendazole can affect liver health. It frequently causes mild changes in liver blood tests (enzymes). In rare cases, it can cause serious liver damage or failure. Your provider may order blood tests to monitor your liver function during treatment.
What should I do if I miss a dose of albendazole?
If you miss a dose of albendazole, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take double doses or extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Can I buy albendazole over-the-counter?
No. In the United States, albendazole is not available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with board-certified licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
