Examples
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Albenza, Valbazen | albendazole |
Albendazole is available by prescription only and comes in tablet form.
Why It Is Used
Albendazole may be used in cases of pinworm infections that cannot be treated with other pinworm medications. It is not the medication usually first used to treat pinworm infections.
Albendazole is not recommended for use in pregnant women or in people with poorly functioning livers.
How Well It Works
Albendazole is used for infections caused by parasites. It may be used in special cases of pinworm infection where the person cannot be treated with other pinworm medications, such as when a person has side effects from other medications.
Side Effects
Side effects of albendazole are rare but may include:
- Fever, rash, or itching.
- Sore throat, fever, unusual tiredness, and weakness (with high doses).
- Dizziness, headache.
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
- Thinning of hair (very rare). Hair does grow back after medication is stopped.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Do not take albendazole if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without first consulting with your health professional.
Pregnancy should be avoided for at least a month following albendazole use.
If you have liver disease or a poorly functioning liver, talk with your health professional.
Treatment with albendazole needs to be repeated about 2 weeks after the initial treatment to kill any worms that have hatched.
It is best to take albendazole with a meal.
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Credits
| Author | Amy Fackler, MA |
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
| Last Updated | October 2, 2006 |
Debby Golonka, MPH
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