Albendazole (Albenza) comes in tablet form and is available
only by prescription. Albendazole may be as effective as metronidazole for the
treatment of
giardiasis but with fewer side effects in children
ages 2 to 12 years.1 Most reports indicate a cure rate
of up to 75% after 10 days of treatment with albendazole.2
Side effects are not common but may
include:
- Fever.
- Rash or
itching.
- Sore throat.
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
(with high doses).
- Dizziness or headache.
- Belly pain,
diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Albendazole should not be taken by pregnant women or those
with liver function problems. It is best to take albendazole with food.
Citations
Furness BW, et al. (2000). Giardiasis surveillance,
United States, 1992-1997. MMWR, CDC Surveillance Summaries, 49(SS-7). Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Centers for Disease Control.
Wright SG (2000). Giardiasis. In GT Strickland, ed.,
Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 8th ed., pp. 589-593. Philadelphia: W.B.
Saunders.
Furness BW, et al. (2000). Giardiasis surveillance,
United States, 1992-1997. MMWR, CDC Surveillance Summaries, 49(SS-7). Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Centers for Disease Control.
Wright SG (2000). Giardiasis. In GT Strickland, ed.,
Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 8th ed., pp. 589-593. Philadelphia: W.B.
Saunders.
