Albendazole Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 2, 2024.

Applies to albendazole: oral tablet.

Common side effects of albendazole

Some side effects of albendazole may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• stomach pain

Less common side effects

• nausea

Rare side effects

• dizziness
• thinning or loss of the hair

Incidence not known

• lack or loss of strength

Serious side effects of albendazole

Along with its needed effects, albendazole may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking albendazole:

Less common side effects

• fever

Rare side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• blurred vision
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• headache
• itching
• joint or muscle pain
• light-colored stools
• red, irritated eyes
• seizures
• stomach pain, continuing
• tightness in the chest
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to albendazole: compounding powder, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable.

General adverse events

Side effects differed between hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis. Symptoms were generally mild and resolved without treatment. Therapy was discontinued primarily due to leukopenia (0.7%) or hepatic abnormalities (3.8% in hydatid disease).^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Elevated liver enzymes (up to 16%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatitis
• Frequency not reported: Hepatotoxicity, hepatic abnormalities, jaundice, hepatocellular damage
• Postmarketing reports: Acute liver failure^[Ref]

Mild to moderate elevated liver enzymes were very common.

Severe hepatic abnormalities, including jaundice and hepatocellular damage (possibly irreversible), have been reported during prolonged higher dose treatment of hydatid disease.

Elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis have also been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Raised intracranial pressure, dizziness, neurological events
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, meningeal signs
• Postmarketing reports: Somnolence, convulsion^[Ref]

Headache has also been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Epigastric/abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, GI disturbances
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diarrhea
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pancreatitis^[Ref]

Upper GI symptoms (e.g., epigastric/abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting) and GI disturbances (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting) were reported.

Diarrhea has also been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Reversible alopecia (thinning of hair, moderate hair loss)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Itchiness, skin rashes
• Postmarketing reports: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome^[Ref]

Reversible alopecia (thinning of hair and moderate hair loss) has also been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fever, hyperpyrexia
• Postmarketing reports: Asthenia^[Ref]

Fever has also been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Leukopenia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Low red cell count, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia
• Frequency not reported: Granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis
• Postmarketing reports: Aplastic anemia, bone marrow suppression, neutropenia^[Ref]

Agranulocytosis and pancytopenia have also been reported during postmarketing experience.

Patients with liver disease (including hepatic echinococcosis) appeared more susceptible to bone marrow suppression.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, pruritus, urticaria)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Ocular maculopathy
• Frequency not reported: Retinal damage
• Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Bone pain
• Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Proteinuria

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What are Zentel 400mg used for?
• Albendazole: How long does it take to kill all the pinworms?

Further information

Albendazole side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer