Medication Information Leaflet
What is this medication for?
It is used to treat some common worm infections that affect the intestines and other parts of the body.
How should I take this medication?
How you take this medication would depend on the type of worm infection you have. This may be a single dose or a short course of medication. You should follow the instructions given by your pharmacist or doctor.
| Type of worm infection | How should the medicine be taken? |
Pinworm infection Hookworm disease Roundworm infection Whipworm infection Threadworm infection Pork/beef tapeworm infection Dwarf tapeworm infection Giardia infection | Take the medication on an empty stomach. |
| Liver fluke infections Cutaneous larva migrans | Take the medication with food. |
For treatments requiring more than a single dose, it is important to complete the full course of medication even if you are feeling better.
This medication is available as tablets for adults and suspension for children. For suspension, always shake well before use.
What should I do if I forget to take this medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
What precautions should I take?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have a history of liver problems, kidney problems, eye problems (especially a problem with your retina) or bone marrow suppression.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What are some side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
Some of these side effects include:
- Liver problem: Signs include dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin.
- Severe headache, nausea and vomiting, ringing in your ears, fits, problems with your vision or pain behind your eyes.
- Severe skin reactions (such as severe rashes with blisters, swelling and peeling).
- Anaemia, which may present with worsening tiredness, rapid breathing, pale skin/lips/nails, fast heartbeat while resting.
- Frequent or severe infection, which may present with high fever, severe chills, body aches, sore throat.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What are some other side-effects of this medication?
- You may experience dizziness.
- Avoid activities that require a high degree of alertness, sense of balance or performance of skilled tasks until you know how Albendazole affects you. Avoid alcohol.
- You may experience headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain.
- Continue the course unless the side effects become unbearable.
- You may experience temporary thinning of hair.
- This is usually reversible after completing the medication.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?
Inform your pharmacist or doctor before using Albendazole if you are taking any other medications.
Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Avoid Chinese Ginseng while taking this medication. You do not need to use laxatives or change your diet.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How should I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
Additional information
Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be necessary. Some worm infections are spread very easily to others in close contact with the infected person.
To stop you and your family infecting others or reinfecting yourselves, follow the advice below for at least six weeks:
- Keep nails short
- Discourage nail biting or finger sucking
- Wear pyjamas or underclothes in bed
- Wash your bottom thoroughly in the mornings
- Use a separate towel for each person in the house
- Change clothes regularly
- Wash and iron bed linen regularly
- Wash hands and nails well after using the toilet and before meals
- Toilets should be disinfected regularly
Disclaimers
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last reviewed on Jul 2021
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