Albendazole (Albenza) is a prescription antiparasitic medication used to treat neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease caused by tapeworm larvae in body tissue.
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Dr. Steve Malen, PharmD
Dr. Steven Blikstein, PharmD
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Albendazole (Albenza) is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic (anthelmintic) medication used to treat neurocysticercosis caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) and hydatid disease caused by the dog tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus). It works by inhibiting the parasite's ability to absorb glucose, eventually leading to the parasite's death. Dosing is weight-based and typically given in cycles with breaks in between; it should be taken with a fatty meal to improve absorption. Common side effects include abnormal liver function tests, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. Albendazole can cause liver toxicity and bone marrow suppression, so periodic blood tests are needed during treatment, and it should not be used during pregnancy.
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Albendazole (Albenza) is dosed based on the condition being treated and, for hydatid disease, on body weight:
Albendazole should be taken with a fatty meal, which significantly increases absorption. When used for neurocysticercosis, it is typically given together with corticosteroids and anticonvulsants to manage inflammation and reduce the risk of seizures as the parasite is killed.
Monitoring: Liver function tests and a complete blood count should be obtained before starting treatment and periodically during each treatment cycle (e.g., every 2 weeks), since albendazole can cause liver enzyme elevations and bone marrow suppression (including rare cases of pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and aplastic anemia).
Pregnancy: Albendazole should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm; effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for one month after the last dose in patients who can become pregnant.
Common side effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes. Patients should contact their physician for signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain) or bone marrow suppression (unusual bleeding, bruising, fever, or signs of infection).