Albendazole
Also known as: Valbazen, Albenza
> **Important**: Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. * **Administration**: Shake liquid suspensions well before measuring the dose. * **Pregnancy Warning**: Do not use in pregnant animals unless explicitly directed by your veterinarian, as it can cause severe birth defects. * **What to Watch For**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops vomiting, severe diarrhea, extreme lethargy, or a yellowish tint to the gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice).
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Susceptible parasites
- Adult liver flukes
- Adult liver flukes
- Nematodes
- Susceptible parasites
- Adult liver flukes
- Paragonimus kellicotti
- Giardia
- Liver flukes (Platynosum or Opisthorchiidae families)
- Susceptible parasites
- Adult liver flukes
- Adult liver flukes
- Gastrointestinal cestodes
- Flagellate parasites and tapeworms in Ratites
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Lethargy and depression
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Hepatic dysfunction
- Blood dyscrasias (aplastic anemia, neutropenia)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hepatic failure
- Early pregnancy (teratogenic/embryotoxic)
- Lactating dairy cattle (of breeding age)
- Pigeons and doves (susceptible to toxicity)
- Alpaca crias (high risk of fatal neutropenia and sepsis)
- > **Pregnancy Warning**: Teratogenic and embryotoxic in early pregnancy. Do not administer to female cattle during the first 45 days of pregnancy or for 45 days after removal of bulls. In sheep, do not administer during the first 30 days of pregnancy or for 30 days after removal of rams. * **Bone Marrow Suppression**: Has been implicated in causing aplastic anemia in dogs, cats, and humans. Use with extreme caution in small animals. * **Species Sensitivities**: Pigeons, doves, and alpaca crias are highly susceptible to toxicity (intestinal crypt epithelial necrosis, bone marrow hypoplasia, fatal neutropenia). * **Hepatic/Hematologic Disease**: Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver or hematologic diseases.
Drug interactions
- Cimetidine: Increased albendazole levels in bile and cystic fluid
- Dexamethasone: May increase albendazole serum levels
- Praziquantel: May increase albendazole serum levels
Frequently asked questions
What is Albendazole used for in pets?
> **Important**: Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. * **Administration**: Shake liquid suspensions well before measuring the dose. * **Pregnancy Warning**: Do not use in pregnant animals unless explicitly directed by your veterinarian, as it can cause severe birth defects. * **What to Watch For**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops vomiting, severe diarrhea, extreme lethargy, or a yellowish tint to the gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice).
Is Albendazole safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app