Drug Name

Albenza

Drug Uses

Albenza is used for treating certain tapeworm infections.

How to use

Use Albenza as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Albenza by mouth with food.
If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, it may be crushed or chewed with a little water.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Albenza is an anthelmintic. It works by killing sensitive parasites.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Albenza if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Albenza or to benzimidazoles (eg, rabeprazole)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Albenza:
Some medical conditions may interact with Albenza . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver problems, eye problems (eg, retinal lesions), bone marrow problems, low white blood cell counts, or low platelet counts

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Albenza . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Cimetidine, dexamethasone, or praziquantel because they may increase the risk of Albenza 's side effects
• Theophylline because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Albenza

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; decreased urination; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

If you have any questions about Albenza , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Albenza is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.