Alpro 400 mg (Chewable Tablet)

Unit Price: ৳ 4.00 (30's pack: ৳ 120.00)

Medicine Details

Category	Details
Generic	Albendazole
Company	Pharmadesh laboratories ltd

Indications

Single infestation of hookworm (Ancylostoma)
Mixed infestations of roundworm (Ascaris), threadworm (Enterobius), whipworm (Trichuris), strongyloides, tapeworm, Opisthorchi, Hydatid

Description

Benzimidazole anthelmintic effective against most nematodes and some cestodes. Used in the treatment of intestinal nematode infections and in higher doses for hydatid disease. Exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activity. Inhibits tubulin polymerization, leading to the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.

Pharmacology

Broad spectrum anthelmintic with vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activities. Blocks glucose uptake in susceptible helminths, leading to energy depletion and immobilization. Metabolized extensively, likely in the liver. Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism. Principal metabolite albendazole sulphoxide has anthelmintic activity and a plasma half-life of about 8.5 hrs. Excreted in urine with other metabolites.

Dosage & Administration

Adults & children over 2 years: 400 mg as a single dose for various infestations.
For strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg daily for 3 days. If not cured, a second course of treatment is indicated.
Children of 1-2 years: 200 mg as a single dose.
Not recommended for children under 1 year.
For hydatid disease (Echinococcosis): 400 mg twice daily for 28 days for patients over 60 kg. 15 mg/kg body weight daily in two divided doses (up to a maximum total daily dose of 800 mg) for patients under 60 kg. For cystic echinococcosis, the 28-day course may be repeated after 14 days without treatment. For alveolar echinococcosis, cycles of 28 days of treatment followed by 14 days without treatment may need to continue for months or years. For giardiasis, 400 mg once daily for five days.

Interaction

No reported pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interactions.

Contraindications

Not normally used in neonates.
Possible dose reduction in children weighing less than 10 kg.
Not recommended during pregnancy or in women thought to be pregnant.
No evidence to suggest dose alteration in renal, hepatic, or cardiac failure.

Side Effects

Gastrointestinal disturbances
Headache
Dizziness
Changes in liver enzymes
Reversible alopecia (rare)
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 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 twice during each cycle
Breastfeeding
Exclude pregnancy before starting treatment
Use in Echinococcosis under constant medical supervision with regular monitoring of serum-transaminase concentrations, 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.