Cikazole Albendazole: A Brand of Albendazole for Parasitic Worm Infections

What it is

Cikazole Albendazole is an anthelmintic drug, which means it works against parasitic worm infections. It contains the active ingredient albendazole and belongs to the benzimidazole class of compounds.

What it's used for

This medicine is used to treat two types of tapeworm infections. The first is parenchymal neurocysticercosis, which occurs when larvae of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) form active lesions in the brain. The second is cystic hydatid disease, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus), which can affect the liver, lungs, and the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).

How it's taken

Dosing depends on the patient's weight and the condition being treated. The medicine is typically taken with food. For hydatid disease, a cycle of 28 days of treatment is followed by a 14-day break, and this is usually repeated for a total of three cycles. For neurocysticercosis, treatment typically lasts between 8 and 30 days. Always follow the dosage instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist and do not change your dose without medical advice.

Common side effects

In patients with hydatid disease, side effects that occur in 1% or more of patients include abnormal liver function tests, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, reversible hair loss, headache, dizziness or vertigo, and fever. In patients with neurocysticercosis, common side effects include headache, nausea or vomiting, raised pressure inside the skull, and signs of meningeal irritation. If you experience any side effects, inform your healthcare provider.

Important cautions

Cikazole Albendazole should not be used by anyone who has a known allergy to albendazole or any other benzimidazole drug. Serious warnings include the risk of bone marrow suppression, which can be fatal, so blood counts must be monitored at the start of each 28-day treatment cycle and every two weeks during therapy. If significant changes in blood counts occur, the medicine should be stopped. This drug can harm an unborn baby, so women who could become pregnant must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and should avoid pregnancy while on this medicine. Consult your doctor for a full list of precautions.

Frequently asked questions