Albamax DS 400 mg (Chewable Tablet)

Unit Price: ৳ 5.00 (25 x 1: ৳ 125.00)

Strip Price: ৳ 5.00

Medicine Details

Category	Details
Generic	Albendazole
Company	Ziska pharmaceuticals 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. Exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activity. Principal mode of action is its inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization, resulting in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.

Pharmacology

Broad spectrum anthelmintic exhibiting vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activities. Exerts its anthelmintic effect by blocking glucose uptake in susceptible helminths, thereby depleting the energy level until it becomes inadequate for survival. Immobilization is followed by the parasite. Extensively metabolized, probably in the liver. Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but rapidly undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism. Principal metabolite albendazole sulphoxide has anthelmintic activity and a plasma half-life of about 8.5 hrs. Excreted in the urine together with other metabolites.

Dosage & Administration

400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as a single dose in cases of Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
In cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) daily should be given for 3 consecutive days. If the patient is not cured on follow-up after three weeks, a second course of treatment is indicated.
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): Albendazole is given by mouth with meals in a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 28 days for patients weighing over 60 kg.
A dose of 15 mg/kg body weight daily in two divided doses (to a maximum total daily dose of 800 mg) is used for patients weighing less than 60 kg.
For cystic echinococcosis, the 28 days course may be repeated after 14 days without treatment, to a total of 3 treatment cycles.
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 (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) once daily for five days is used.

Interaction

No interaction involving Albamax DS, either pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic, has been reported.

Contraindications

Albendazole is not normally used in neonates.
Reduction of the dose from 400 mg to 200 mg may be indicated in children weighing less than 10 kg.
No grounds for a general reduction in dosage to children.
Albendazole should not be given during pregnancy or to women thought to be pregnant. No information available on placental transfer.
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 to the other 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. Albamax DS should only be used in the treatment of Echinococcosis if there is constant medical supervision with regular monitoring of serum-transaminase concentrations and of leucocyte and platelet counts.

Therapeutic Class

Anthelmintic

Storage Conditions

Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.