Overview

Albenza is the brand name for albendazole, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medicine used to treat a range of worm infections. In the United States, it is prescription-only and commonly part of treatment plans for conditions such as neurocysticercosis and echinococcosis, among others.

Active ingredient
albendazole
Therapeutic class
antiparasitics (anthelmintics)
Available strengths
400 mg tablets are commonly referenced; many generics are supplied as 200 mg tablets (doses often total 400 mg in adults).

Jump to safety info: what to tell your prescriber, interactions, side effects. For cost and access in the USA, see prices and legal notes.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Share your full medical history and everything you take, including prescriptions, OTC products, vitamins, and herbs. Be sure to mention if any of the following apply to you:

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • liver disease
  • anemia
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to albendazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • biliary tract blockage
  • breast-feeding
  • immune system problems

If pregnancy is possible, your clinician may recommend a pregnancy test before treatment and reliable contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose. See also legal status and safety labeling.

How should I use this medicine?

Take albendazole by mouth with food and a glass of water. Follow the exact directions on your prescription label. Doses are often given with a fatty meal to improve absorption. Tablets may be chewed or crushed if needed.

Take the full course even if you start feeling better. Do not skip doses or stop early unless your prescriber tells you to. Pediatric use: some conditions are treated in children 2 years and older; dosing and safety monitoring may differ, so follow your pediatrician's instructions carefully.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Need help with timing or refills? See monitoring and precautions.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take extra or double doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Some medicines can raise or lower albendazole levels or increase side effect risks. Tell your clinician if you take any of the following:

  • theophylline
  • praziquantel
  • cimetidine
  • dexamethasone

Additional interactions to discuss:

  • enzyme-inducing antiseizure drugs (for example, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital) may reduce albendazole effect
  • ritonavir or other strong CYP3A4 modifiers can alter exposure
  • herbals and supplements with unknown enzyme effects

This is not a complete list. Always give your health care provider a current list of all medicines, vitamins, and herbs you use. Tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol, as these may affect your treatment. For related therapies, see alternatives.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Keep all appointments. Your clinician may order blood tests, often every 2 weeks or as directed, to check liver function and blood counts during treatment. Report new or worsening symptoms promptly.

Avoid pregnancy while taking albendazole and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Discuss reliable contraception. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your prescriber immediately.

Albendazole can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Until you know how you respond, avoid driving, operating machinery, or tasks that require full alertness. Rise slowly to reduce the chance of lightheadedness or fainting.

What side effects may I notice?

Serious side effects: call your clinician right away or seek urgent care if you notice any of the following:

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin
  • seizures
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever, chills, or sore throat
  • allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • changes in vision
  • pain or difficulty passing urine
  • redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin (including inside the mouth)
  • unusual aches or pains
  • diarrhea that is severe or persistent
  • difficulty breathing

Common effects that are usually mild and often do not require medical attention (tell your clinician if persistent or bothersome):

  • stomach pain
  • hair loss
  • dizziness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • headache

Side effects are not limited to these lists. You can report adverse events to FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Store at room temperature, 68 to 77 F (20 to 25 C). Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children. Discard any unused or expired medicine according to local take-back guidance; do not flush unless instructed.

Alternative and similar medications

Depending on the type of parasite and your medical history, clinicians may consider these options instead of, or in combination with, albendazole:

  • Praziquantel (Biltricide, generic) - for many tapeworm and fluke infections
  • Pyrantel pamoate (OTC in the USA) - commonly used for pinworm and some roundworms
  • Ivermectin (Stromectol, generic) - for strongyloidiasis and other infections
  • Nitazoxanide (Alinia) - for certain protozoal infections
  • Mebendazole (Emverm) - alternative anthelmintic; availability and pricing vary

Choice of therapy depends on the specific organism, location of infection, severity, and patient factors such as pregnancy and liver function. Always follow a clinician’s diagnosis and plan.

Rough comparison of prices in the USA (USD)

Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, dose, and discounts. The ranges below are typical cash/discount-card estimates as of recent years and are only a rough guide:

  • Albendazole (generic): about $25 to $120 for a typical short course (for example, 2 to 6 tablets of 200 mg). Longer or higher-dose regimens cost more.
  • Albenza (brand): may be significantly higher, often several hundred dollars per tablet if brand is dispensed.
  • Pyrantel pamoate (OTC): around $10 to $20 per treatment package.
  • Ivermectin (generic 3 mg tablets): roughly $5 to $15 per tablet; total cost depends on dose and duration.
  • Praziquantel (generic 600 mg): about $6 to $15 per tablet; multi-tablet regimens increase total cost.
  • Mebendazole (Emverm brand): may exceed $300+ per short course in the USA.
  • Nitazoxanide (Alinia): frequently $100 to $400+ per course.

To lower cost: ask your prescriber for the generic name (albendazole), verify the intended strength (often 200 mg tablets), compare pharmacies, and consider reputable discount programs. See also legal and access notes.