Parasites such as worms need a steady supply of energy to grow and reproduce. Energy is available through their access to sugars or substances known as adenosine triphosphate; absence of access to these energy-giving substances can stunt and eventually kill macro-parasites like worms. Albendazole is an FDA approved drug widely used for treating tapeworm infestation. As an extended use, it is also administered for the treatment of hydatid diseases. You are advised to know how to take the albendazole syrup for killing worms in your system.
Albendazole
Infections caused by tapeworms can affect your tissues, muscles as well as brain. The suspended form or its syrup form helps kill macro-parasites – i.e., worms. These worms require glucose-type sugars to grow, reproduce and sustain their living. This syrup cuts off the supply of glucose to these parasites; once their food source is cut, these worms are killed. This drug has needful capabilities to destroy the eggs of worms that are ready to yield new offspring.
This syrup is categorized under a group of medicines known as anthelminthic drugs. They derive this name as they are capable of treating a condition known as helminthiasis – associated with the infestation of macro-parasites. Albendazole syrup is also used along with other drugs to manage a few other medical conditions. For example, it is administered along with a few steroids – especially, corticosteroids – for stopping the build-up of pressures inside your skull. This is a prerequisite to avoid an in-skull hypertension, especially in the initial days of your treatment plan. As an extended use, it is also taken together with anti-seizure meds; such co-administration can help avoid fits, convulsions as well as seizures.
Use of albendazole syrup
This syrup can be taken along with a meal. This is not habit-forming or addiction-causing; the typical dosage can range from 1 week to 1 month. Such a medication plan is needed to treat worm infestation of tissues, muscles and brain. However, your medication plan may last for upto 4 weeks if you are infested by hydatid diseases. As a safety precaution, it is essential to read all the instructions listed on the pack prior to taking this syrup. If you need any clarifications, it is highly recommended to consult your treating physician or pharmacist.
For patients weighing more than 60 kilograms (kg), the typical dosage is 400 milligrams (mg). This dose is twice each day. The highest permissible dose must never breach 800 mg. In order to obtain better results, you are advised to take the syrup every day at the same timeslot. Some people may decide to stop taking this syrup soon after they see some initial results. This is not a safe practice; it can lead to a relapse of infestations. So, even after witnessing initial results, it is recommended to keep taking this drug till your doctor advises you to discontinue. Use of this syrup and its dosages depend on your renal wellbeing, pre-existing health conditions – if any, intake of other medicines including over the counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, herbal or dietary supplements.
Side effects of albendazole syrup
This syrup is widely regarded a safe medicine. Most people who used the syrup reported minimal or no side effects. However, soon after taking this syrup – if you experience headaches, weariness, fits, convulsions or seizures, nausea or vomiting, you need to inform your treating doctor immediately. Among all age groups, elders are more likely to witness acute side effects. Older patients may develop seizures, dizziness and may pass out. It is always advised to keep the dosages at the lowest possible level while caring for elders.
Precautions needed for the safe intake of albendazole syrup
In general, your physician may advise a blood count test (commonly known as CBC) prior to starting your medication plan. This blood count will help avoid possible suppression of bone marrow as well as production of blood cells. As an added safety precaution, you may also need to go for a liver panel diagnostic test. Such a test is essential to detect likely damages of the liver and avoid possible injury to liver cells due to the intake of albendazole. Last but not least, a pregnancy check is also done on women before taking the syrup. As the syrup and its active ingredients may harm your fetus, a timely test can help avoid congenital problems in the newly born baby.
Other precautions associated with prior medical conditions
You need to tell your treating doctor if your clinical history includes retinal injuries or other wounds sustained in the eyes, hepatic disorders such as a marked increase in the secretion of liver enzymes, prior surgical interventions – especially, dental surgeries, etc. If you are living with blood conditions such as anemia or lack of iron, you need to promptly tell your doctor about it. As mentioned above, a complete count of your blood cells is a key prerequisite. It is important to use proper birth control measures while you are using this drug. It is a good practice to continue using such measures for at least a week after discontinuing the intake of albendazole syrup.
Missing a dose of this syrup
If you have missed a dose, try to take it as early as possible – i.e., as soon as you remember it. However, if the next dose has already come up, never take the skipped dose; this may trigger risks of double dosing. So, if you find the next dose is coming closer, skip the dose you forgot to take. Instead, pursue ahead with your medication plan as usual, to avoid risks of overdose. If you witness side effects like convulsions or inflammation of lips or tongue, you need to seek medical help on an urgent basis. Those in the US need to call 911 or call the FDA helpline numbers. Residents of Canada need to call Health Canada on an emergency mode or reach out to a poison control center located near your home.
Always remember that albendazole syrup may make you drowsy. So, it is not advised to operate heavy machinery or engage in activities like driving soon after taking this syrup. In some people, this drug has led to seizures, fits, convulsions, loss of coordination as well as fainting. It is hence important to stay aware of these risks and take needful precautions accordingly. In sum, albendazole syrup is taken for a span of 7 days to 28 days. The dosages are usually prescribed for nearly 25 days to treat conditions like hydatid diseases. As a precautionary measure, read the instructions listed on the pack carefully before consuming this syrup. Never hesitate to consult your treating physician or pharmacist to obtain needful clarifications about the safer use of albendazole syrup.
Who Should Take Albendazole
Albendazole is usually prescribed for children and adults who show symptoms of worm infections, such as stomach pain, weight loss, or unexplained fatigue. It’s also commonly given in communities where these infections are widespread as a preventive measure.
Safety and Side Effects
Albendazole is generally safe when used correctly, but some people may experience mild side effects like dizziness, nausea, or headaches. Pregnant women are advised to avoid albendazole as it may harm the unborn baby. Always consult with a healthcare provider before taking this medication, especially for young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
By effectively eliminating worms, albendazole helps improve health, nutrition, and overall quality of life, particularly in areas where parasitic infections are common.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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