Abentel 400 mg (Chewable Tablet)
Medicine Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic | Albendazole |
| Company | Aristopharma ltd |
Indications
- Hookworm (Ancylostoma, Necator)
- Roundworm (Ascaris)
- Threadworm (Enterobius)
- Whipworm (Trichuris)
- Strongyloides
- Tapeworm
- Opisthorchi
- Hydatid
Description
Benzimidazole anthelmintic, active against most nematodes and some cestodes. Used in the treatment of intestinal nematode infections and in higher doses in the treatment of hydatid disease. Vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activity. Inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization.
Pharmacology
Broad spectrum anthelmintic. Exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal and larvicidal activities. Thought to exert its anthelmintic effect by blocking glucose uptake in the susceptible helminths, thereby depleting the energy level until it becomes inadequate for survival. Immobilization of the parasite. Extensively metabolized, probably in the liver. Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but rapidly undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism.
Dosage & Administration
- Adults & children over 2 years:
- 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as a single dose in cases of certain infections.
- 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) daily for 3 days in cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis.
- Children of 1-2 years: Recommended dose is a single dose of 200 mg (5 ml suspension).
- Children under 1 year: Not recommended.
- In Hydatid disease (Echinococcosis):
- 400 mg twice daily for 28 days for patients over 60 kg.
- 15 mg/kg body weight daily in two divided doses for patients under 60 kg.
- For cystic echinococcosis, the 28 days course may be repeated after 14 days without treatment.
- For alveolar echinococcosis, cycles of 28 days of treatment followed by 14 days without treatment may need to continue for months or years.
- In giardiasis, 400 mg once daily for five days is used.
Interaction
No reported pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interaction.
Contraindications
- Neonates: Not normally used.
- Children: Reduction of the dose from 400 mg to 200 mg may be indicated in children weighing less than 10 kg.
- Pregnant woman: Should not be given during pregnancy or women thought to be pregnant.
- Concurrent disease: No evidence to suggest that dose should be altered in renal, hepatic or cardiac failure.
Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Rarely reversible alopecia
- Rash
- Fever
- Blood disorders including leucopenia and pancytopenia
- Allergic shock if cyst leakage
- Convulsion and meningism in cerebral disease.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Albendazole should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.
Precautions & Warnings
Blood counts and liver function tests before treatment and twice during each cycle; breastfeeding; exclude pregnancy before starting treatment. Constant medical supervision with regular monitoring of serum-transaminase concentrations and of leucocyte and platelet counts for Echinococcosis treatment.
Therapeutic Class
Anthelmintic
Storage Conditions
Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.