Albendazole is an anthelmintic (anti-worming) medication. It stops the larvae from growing and starves them to death by preventing them from utilizing glucose.
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History
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Albendazole belongs to the benzimidazole chemical family of anti-worm medications. The medications were effective and wildly used, particularly with farm animals. However, worms are becoming resistant to them, and they are more toxic than many newer drugs.
Significance
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Worm infestations can make your dog very sick or kill it. A vet will determine the right medication for your dog based on the type of worms the dog has, usually diagnosed by a fecal exam.
Uses
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Albendazole is effective in killing pork and tape worms, capillariasis (roundworms), treating Giardia and decreasing worm cyst shedding.
Side Effects
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Albendazole has many side effects, including blood cell (hematologic) toxicity, leucopenia (abnormally low white blood cell count), lethargy, bone marrow toxicosis, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite, and it may cause pregnant bitches to abort or have damaged puppies. With new drugs that are less toxic and more effective, it is used less often.
Benefits
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If your dog has not responded to other medications or if it has several types of worms, albendazole alone or with other drugs may be required to treat the worm infestation. Your vet will monitor for adverse effects.
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