Almex 400 mg (Chewable Tablet)
Medicine Details
Category | Details |
---|---|
Generic | Albendazole |
Company | Square pharmaceuticals plc |
Also available as |
Indications
- Hookworm (Ancylostoma, Necator)
- Roundworm (Ascaris)
- Threadworm (Enterobius)
- Whipworm (Trichuris)
- Strongyloides
- Tapeworm
- Opisthorchi
- Hydatid
Description
Almex 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. Almex exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activity.
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.
Dosage & Administration
- Adults & children over 2 years: 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as a single dose in cases of various infections.
- Children of 1-2 years: Recommended dose is a single dose of 200 mg (5 ml suspension).
- Hydatid disease (Echinococcosis): Albendazole is given in different doses for patients based on their weight and type of Echinococcosis.
Interaction
No interaction involving Almex, either pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic, has been reported.
Contraindications
- Neonates
- Children
- Pregnant women
- 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
- Reversible alopecia
- Rash
- Fever
- Blood disorders including leucopenia and pancytopenia
- Allergic shock if cyst leakage
- Convulsion and meningism in cerebral disease
Pregnancy & Lactation
US FDA Pregnancy category of Albendazole is C. So, 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. Almex 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.