Side Effects of Albendazole Treatment

Common and Less Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, are the most frequent adverse reactions, reported in up to 6% of patients, according to the Journal of Infection 1
Fever is reported in about 1% of patients 1
Reversible alopecia (hair loss) occurs in approximately 2% of patients, although the specific reference for this fact is not provided, a similar side effect is mentioned with 1
Neurological symptoms can be exacerbated due to inflammatory reaction from parasite death 2

Elevated liver enzymes occur in approximately 16% of patients, especially during prolonged treatment, as noted by Praxis Medical Insights 2
Leukopenia, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, or thrombocytopenia have been reported in less than 1% of cases, more commonly with prolonged treatment courses rather than short 5-day regimens 2

Short courses (1-5 days) for intestinal helminth infections generally have minimal side effects compared to longer treatment courses, as stated by Praxis Medical Insights 2
For a 5-day course, routine monitoring of liver enzymes or blood counts is not typically required in patients without pre-existing liver disease, according to Praxis Medical Insights 2
In cases of strongyloidiasis, caution should be used with steroids as they may precipitate hyperinfection syndrome, as noted by the Journal of Infection and Praxis Medical Insights 3, 4