adorable baby smiling with joy

Peds Calc

Pediatric Reference

Albendazole Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Albendazole is usually well tolerated. Gastrointestinal upset and headache are the most common pediatric complaints.

4 Categories
5 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Albendazole Overview

Essential Information

1

Take with food to lessen stomach upset and improve absorption.

2

Call for persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, or severe fatigue.

3

Monitor labs during long treatment courses.

Clinical Overview

Serious adverse effects are rare and typically associated with prolonged therapy or preexisting liver disease.

Side Effect Categories

4 Systems

Gastrointestinal

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Abdominal pain

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Take with food; supportive care.

Monitoring Guidelines

Seek care if severe or persistent.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Nausea

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Give with food; small frequent meals.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Hepatic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Elevated liver enzymes

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: During prolonged use
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Monitor labs; pause therapy if significant.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Hematologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Leukopenia

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
serious
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Monitor CBC; discontinue if confirmed.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Neurologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Headache

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Supportive care.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

For babies taking Albendazole, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

This medicine helps get rid of worms. Eat a snack with it.

Children (4-12 years)

Take it with food so it works better and does not upset your stomach.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Pair doses with a meal and finish the full course even if you feel better.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Stomach upset

A: Pair with food and hydration.

When to validate: Call if pain is severe or child vomits repeatedly.

Q: Recurring worms

A: Follow hygiene steps and repeat dosing schedule.

When to validate: Contact the clinician if symptoms persist after treatment.

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Clinical assessment framework for Albendazole adverse effects using standardized severity grading.

Mild
Indicators: Minimal symptoms, No functional impairment, Patient comfortable continuing
Action: Continue medication with supportive care and routine monitoring
Moderate
Indicators: Noticeable symptoms, Some functional impact, Patient/family concerned
Action: Consider dose adjustment, increase monitoring frequency, provide supportive care
Severe
Indicators: Significant symptoms, Functional impairment, Quality of life affected
Action: Consider discontinuation, evaluate alternatives, close clinical follow-up

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Life-threatening adverse effects
  • Signs of toxicity

Consider Alternatives

  • Persistent moderate side effects
  • Inadequate therapeutic response
  • Patient/family preference

Dose Modification

  • Mild side effects with good efficacy
  • Age-related sensitivity
  • Drug interaction concerns

Clinical References

Albendazole TabletsDailyMed (2024)Label
AlbendazoleMedlinePlus (2024)Drug information

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Albendazole