Alben-DS 400 mg (Chewable Tablet)

Unit Price: ৳ 5.00 (10 x 10: ৳ 500.00)

Strip Price: ৳ 50.00

Medicine Details

Category	Details
Generic	Albendazole
Company	Eskayef pharmaceuticals ltd
Also available as	Alben 200 mg suspension

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. Exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activities by blocking glucose uptake in susceptible helminths, leading to depletion of energy level. Immobilization is followed by the parasite. Albendazole is extensively metabolized, poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and 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

Adults & children over 2 years: 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as a single dose in cases of various infestations. For strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg daily for 3 consecutive days. Children of 1-2 years: 200 mg (5 ml suspension) as a single dose. Not recommended for children under 1 year. In Hydatid disease: Albendazole is given by mouth with meals in specific dosages based on patient's weight. For giardiasis, 400 mg once daily for five days is used.

Interaction

No reported pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interactions.

Contraindications

Not recommended in neonates, pregnant women, or those with concurrent diseases without medical supervision. Reduction of dose may be indicated in children weighing less than 10 kg.

Side Effects

Gastrointestinal disturbances
Headache
Dizziness
Changes in liver enzymes
Reversible alopecia
Rash
Fever
Blood disorders including leucopenia and pancytopenia
Allergic shock if cyst leakage
Convulsions and meningism in cerebral disease.

Pregnancy & Lactation

US FDA Pregnancy category of Albendazole is C. 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 regularly during each cycle
Breastfeeding
Exclude pregnancy before starting treatment
Use only under 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.