Alben-DS 400 mg (Chewable Tablet)
Medicine Details
Category | Details |
---|---|
Generic | Albendazole |
Company | Eskayef pharmaceuticals ltd |
Also available as |
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.
Related Brands
- Alben 200 mg/5 ml (Oral Suspension) - eskayef-pharmaceuticals-ltd
- Albazol DS 400 mg (Chewable Tablet) - central-pharmaceuticals-ltd
- Albamax DS 400 mg (Chewable Tablet) - ziska-pharmaceuticals-ltd
- Alba 400 mg (Chewable Tablet) - navana-pharmaceuticals-ltd
- AL-DS 400 mg (Chewable Tablet) - globe-pharmaceuticals-ltd