Albenza Description

Albenza or generic Albendazole is an anthelmintic drug prescribed to treat neurocysticercosis, a parasitic disease of your central nervous system that is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy in such areas as Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. This is due to poor hygiene practices as pigs are allowed to roam free and eat human feces and they carry Taenia solium, a tapeworm. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

If pork is eaten raw or undercooked, the T. solium larvae are ingested and they find their way into muscles and tissue, including your brain where they form cysts. If they get into the brain, it is called neurocysticercosis. Although neurocysticercosis is also found in the USA and other developed countries, it is not considered endemic.

How Albenza Works

When taken as directed, Albenza works to block a certain enzyme that will interfere with the parasites’ ability to metabolize glucose (sugar) properly so they become drained of energy and are immobilized with death as the end result. Depending on where the cysts are and how responsive patients are to Albenza or other antiparasitic drugs, you may be required to undergo surgery to have cysts removed, especially if your brain is affected.

Other Conditions Treated by Albenza

Albenza is also prescribed to treat cystic echinococcosis (CE), or hydatid disease that affects your liver, caused by being infected with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. This disease is found more in Central and South America, Africa, Europe, Middle East, and Asia, but rarely in North America. As farm dogs ingest the organs of dead infected sheep, goats, cattle and pigs, the hydatid cysts are passed on where they develop into adult tapeworms. The dog’s feces is then deposited in the soil and any garden food can be the source of infection to humans if the food is not prepped and washed properly before eating.

Before Albenza is Prescribed

Ask your doctor about any health risks to taking Albenza while you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to determine if Albenza is safe for you to take.

Albenza Precautions

Women should take a pregnancy test prior to starting Albenza to confirm you are not pregnant and advised to use an effective birth control method while taking Albenza and for at least 30 days following the treatment period. Keep all medications, including Albenza, out of children’s reach and never share any of them with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Albenza

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting

Drugs Similar to Albenza

• Vermox
• Biltricide
• Daraprim