Can I take Albendazole during breastfeeding?

Generally, breastfeeding mothers are not recommended to take anticholinergic drugs such as Albendazole. If the medication has already been taken, breastfeeding should be suspended.

Albendazole is a commonly used anthelmintic drug in clinical practice, effective against intestinal ascariasis, tapeworm, and hookworm infections. However, when taken by breastfeeding mothers, the drug can pass through breast milk into the baby's body, potentially affecting the child's bone development and causing liver and kidney toxicity. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should not take Albendazole. It is advisable to collect breast milk before taking the medication and store it in the fridge for future use. Breastfeeding women are generally advised not to take any medication as it can be passed through breast milk to the child. If medication is necessary, it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding during the treatment period to prevent any potential harm to the child's health.

(1) A few cases may experience mild adverse reactions such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, and fatigue, which usually resolve spontaneously without treatment.

(2) Albendazole is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age and pregnant women.

(3) The drug is not suitable for patients with acute illnesses, proteinuria, suppurative or diffuse dermatitis, epilepsy, and breastfeeding women. It should be used with caution in patients with severe liver, kidney, or heart dysfunction and active ulcerative diseases.

(4) In a few patients, the anthelmintic effect may be observed between 3 and 10 days after taking the medication.

(5) Albendazole is contraindicated for patients with a history of allergy to the drug, a family history of allergy, and those with liver or kidney dysfunction.