Albenza

Albenza General Information

Generic Name: Albendazole

Brand Name: Albenza

Albenza is available without any prescription from the Doctor. Albenza is approved for the treatment of two parasitic infections caused by worms as mentioned below:

Hydatid Cyst disease of the liver, lung and peritoneum. It is caused by the larval form of the dog's tapeworm.
Neurocysticercosis which is caused by the larval forms of the pork tapeworm.

Albenza is marketed outside United States in the trade name of Zentel and Eskazole. Worldwide, the prevalence of hydatid cyst diseaseis estimated to be about one million found mostly in animal raising countries like North West China, parts of North and South Africa, East Africa, Iraq, Uruguay, Argentina and Chile.It occurs in other countries or regions also. The prevalence of Neurocysticercosis cases are estimated about 1.5 million all over the world. In both the cases, infection with the larva is accidental and transmission from human to human does not normally occur.

Albanza Uses

For Hydatid disease, the recommended dose of Albenza is 400 mg twice daily with meals for three cycles (each cycle consists of doses for 28 days followed by an interval of 14days of no Albenza intake. For Neurocysticercosis, the dose recommended is 400 mg twice daily for eight to thirty days with meals. Child patients having troubles in swallowing the tablets, may get it crushed into powder or may chew and take it with water. Dosage are based on weight, medical condition and response to the treatment. Medication should be strictly as prescribed by the Doctor. Medication to be used regularly for better benefits and to be continued till its full course is completed irrespective of whatever good response one may find or symptoms disappear during treatment. Other medications if prescribed by the doctor should also be taken unhesitatingly.

How take Albanza

Albenza should always be used as directed by the Doctor. The label of the medicine pack must be checked to ascertain the exact dose to be taken. Albenza must be taken by mouth and always with food. If there is any difficulty in swallowing the tablet, the same be crushed or chewed with little water. If a dose of Albenza is missed, the same may be taken as soon as it is remembered unless it has become the time for the next dose. In such case, the missed dose must be skipped and the regular dose in time schedule to be taken. One should never take 2 doses at a time. However, if more than one dose is missed, the doctor or pharmacist to be consulted for advice. One should keep proper contact with the health care provider and should get his doubts clarified anything regarding the use of Albenza.

Albanza Warnings

Albenza may cause fetal harm and that is why the treatment should only start after getting the negative pregnancy test. Since there is a possibility of harm to the liver or bone marrow during the treatment, there should be regular monitoring preferably in alternate weeks of blood counts and liver function tests. Any women desirous to get pregnant during treatment or within one month of completion of treatment, should talk to the Doctor about possible harm to fetus

Missed Dose

If a scheduled dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as one remembers that. If the timing classes with the next dose timing, the missed dose should be skipped. The usual dosing schedule should be resumed. The dose should never be doubled to compensate the dose missed.

Albanza Side Effects

There may be many possible side effects of Albenza. If any of these side effects become bothersome, the doctor must be consulted for necessary action. The severe form of side effects of Albanza are: rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, swelling of mouth, lips, face, tongue, dark urine, reduced urination, sore throat, fever, severe or persistent dizziness, unusual blisters, weakness, vision changes, eyes or skin getting yellowish. However, the complete list of Albanza side effects have many more names to reckon with. One may contact health care provider, Doctor to get any doubts clarified regarding Albanza side effects.

Albanza Storage Advice

Albenza must be stored at room temperature between 68 0F to 77 0F, in a tightly closed container. It should be stored away from moisture, heat and light and never to be stored in bathroom. Albenza should be kept or stored in a place out of the reach of children or pets.

Albanza Overdose

In case of Albanza overdose, one must immediately contact local poison control center or emergency roomPreferably, the patient should be rushed to the nearby hospital or Doctor's chamber or nursing home for prompt care.

Albanza More Information

All queries about Albanza must be sought from the Doctor, Pharmacist or health care provider.

Only the patient for whom Albenza has been prescribed, should use the medicine. It should never be shared with anybody under any circumstances whatsoever.

If the conditions do not improve or rather deteriorates, the doctor should be consulted.