Verben 200 mg/5 ml (Oral Suspension)
Medicine Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic | Albendazole |
| Company | Astra biopharmaceuticals ltd |
| Also available as |
Product Title
- Verben
Categories
- Medicine
- Anthelmintic
Description
Verben is a benzimidazole anthelmintic, active against most nematodes and some cestodes. It is used in the treatment of intestinal nematode infections and in higher doses in the treatment of hydatid disease. Verben exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activity. The principal mode of action of Verben is its inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization, which results in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.
Indications
- Single and mixed infestations of hookworm, roundworm, threadworm, whipworm, strongyloides, tapeworm, opisthorchi, hydatid
Pharmacology
Albendazole is a broad spectrum anthelmintic. Albendazole exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal and larvicidal activities. The drug is 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 is followed by the parasite. These events may be a consequence of the binding and subsequent inhibition of parasite tubulin polymerization by Albendazole and its metabolites, although the drug also binds to human tubulin.
Dosage & Administration
- Adults & children over 2 years:
- 400 mg as a single dose in cases of Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus
- 400 mg daily for 3 days in cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis
- 400 mg twice daily for 28 days in hydatid disease
- Children of 1-2 years:
- 200 mg as a single dose
- Children under 1 year:
- Not recommended
- In Hydatid disease:
- 15 mg/kg body weight daily in two divided doses for patients weighing less than 60 kg
- 400 mg once daily for five days in giardiasis
Interaction
No interaction involving Verben, either pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic, has been reported.
Contraindications
- Neonates:
- Albendazole is not normally used in neonates
- Children:
- Reduction of the dose from 400 mg to 200 mg may be indicated in children weighing less than 10 kg
- Pregnant woman:
- Albendazole should not be given during pregnancy or to 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 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
- Constant medical supervision with regular monitoring of serum-transaminase concentrations and of leucocyte and platelet counts in the treatment of Echinococcosis
Therapeutic Class
- Anthelmintic
Storage Conditions
Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.