Albenza Side Effects
Generic Name: albendazole
Please note - some side effects for Albenza may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).
Side Effects of Albenza - for the Consumer
Albenza
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 when using Albenza:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Albenza:Headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.
TopSevere 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; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Albenza Side Effects - for the Professional
Albenza
The adverse event profile of albendazole differs between hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis. Adverse events occurring with a frequency of ≥1% in either disease are described in the table below.
These symptoms were usually mild and resolved without treatment. Treatment discontinuations were predominantly due to leukopenia (0.7%) or hepatic abnormalities (3.8% in hydatid disease). The following incidence reflects events that were reported by investigators to be at least possibly or probably related to albendazole.
| Adverse Event | Hydatid Disease | Neurocysticercosis |
| Abnormal Liver Function Tests | 15.6 | <1.0 |
| Abdominal Pain | 6.0 | 0 |
| Nausea/Vomiting | 3.7 | 6.2 |
| Headache | 1.3 | 11.0 |
| Dizziness/Vertigo | 1.2 | <1.0 |
| Raised Intracranial Pressure | 0 | 1.5 |
| Meningeal Signs | 0 | 1.0 |
| Reversible Alopecia | 1.6 | <1.0 |
| Fever | 1.0 | 0 |
The following adverse events were observed at an incidence of <1%:
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders
Leukopenia. There have been rare reports of granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, or thrombocytopenia. Patients with liver disease, including hepatic echinococcosis, appear to be more at risk of bone marrow suppression.
Immune System Disorders
Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash and urticaria.
Postmarketing Adverse Reactions
In addition to adverse events reported from clinical trials, the following events have been identified during world-wide post-approval use of Albenza. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to a combination of their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or potential causal connection to Albenza.
Blood and Lymphatic System DisordersAplastic anemia, bone marrow suppression, neutropenia.
Hepatobiliary DisordersElevations of hepatic enzymes, hepatitis, acute liver failure.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue DisordersErythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Renal and Urinary DisordersAcute renal failure.
TopSide Effects by Body System
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects including rash and urticaria have been reported in less than 1% of patients.
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity side effects have included allergic reactions. Erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported during postmarketing experience.
Renal
Renal side effects including acute renal failure have been reported during postmarketing experience.
Hepatic
Hepatic side effects including abnormal liver function tests and hepatotoxicity have been reported in greater than or equal to 1% of patients. Hepatic abnormalities, acute liver failure, elevations of hepatic enzymes, and hepatitis have been reported during postmarketing experience.
Hematologic
Hematologic side effects have rarely included granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Leukopenia has been reported in less than 1% of patients. Aplastic anemia, bone marrow suppression, and neutropenia have been reported during postmarketing experience.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting have been reported in greater than or equal to 1% of patients.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects including raised intracranial pressure, meningeal sepsis, headache, dizziness, and vertigo have been reported in greater than or equal to 1% of patients.
Other
Other side effects including fever have been reported in greater than or equal to 1% of patients.
Ocular
Ocular side effects have included retinal damage.
TopMore resources:
Albenza - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
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