Benfast 400 mg (Chewable Tablet)
Medicine Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic | Albendazole |
| Company | Novo healthcare and pharma ltd |
Indications
- Hookworm (Ancylostoma, Necator)
- Roundworm (Ascaris)
- Threadworm (Enterobius)
- Whipworm (Trichuris)
- Strongyloides
- Tapeworm
- Opisthorchi
- Hydatid
Description
Benzimidazole anthelmintic, active against most nematodes and some cestodes. Exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activity. Inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization, resulting in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.
Pharmacology
Broad spectrum anthelmintic with vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activities. Blocks glucose uptake in susceptible helminths, causing energy depletion and immobilization. Extensively metabolized, poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
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 consecutive days in cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis.
- Children of 1-2 years: Single dose of 200 mg
- Children under 1 year: Not recommended
- Hydatid disease (Echinococcosis):
- 400 mg twice daily for 28 days for patients over 60 kg
- 15 mg/kg body weight daily for patients under 60 kg
- Repeated cycles of 28 days of treatment may be required
- In giardiasis, 400 mg once daily for five days.
Interaction
No reported pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interactions.
Contraindications
- Neonates: Not normally used
- Children: Reduction of dose may be indicated in children weighing less than 10 kg
- Pregnant woman: Not recommended
- Concurrent disease: No dose alteration evidence for 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 C. Avoid in pregnancy and lactation unless benefits outweigh possible risks to the fetus.
Precautions & Warnings
Blood counts and liver function tests before treatment and twice during each cycle. Avoid breastfeeding. Exclude pregnancy before starting treatment. Use only under constant medical supervision for Echinococcosis.
Therapeutic Class
Anthelmintic
Storage Conditions
Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.