Durazol 200 mg/5 ml (Oral Suspension)
Medicine Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic | Albendazole |
| Company | Millat pharmaceuticals ltd |
| Also available as |
Indications
- Hookworm (Ancylostoma, Necator)
- Roundworm (Ascaris)
- Threadworm (Enterobius)
- Whipworm (Trichuris)
- Strongyloides
- Tapeworm
- Opisthorchi
- Hydatid
Description
Durazol 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. Durazol exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activity. The principal mode of action of Durazol is its inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization, which results in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.
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. These events may be a consequence of the binding and subsequent inhibition of parasite tubulin polymerization by Albendazole and its metabolites, although the drug also binds to human tubulin. Albendazole is extensively metabolized, probably in the liver. Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but rapidly undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism. The principal metabolite albendazole sulphoxide has anthelmintic activity and a plasma half-life of about 8.5 hrs. It is 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 Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
- In cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) daily should be given for 3 consecutive days. If the patient is not cured on follow-up after three weeks, a second course of treatment is indicated.
- Children of 1-2 years: Recommended dose is a single dose of 200 mg (5 ml suspension).
- Children under 1 year: Not recommended.
- In Hydatid disease (Echinococcosis): Albendazole is given by mouth with meals in a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 28 days for patients weighing over 60 kg.
Interaction
No interaction involving Durazol, either pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic, has been reported.
Contraindications
Neonates: Albendazole is not normally used in neonates. Children: Reduction of the dose from 400 mg to 200 mg may be indicated in children weighing less than 10 kg but there are no grounds for a general reduction in dosage to children. Pregnant woman: Albendazole should not be given during pregnancy or women thought to be pregnant. No information is available on placental transfer. Concurrent disease: There is 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
- Reversal alopecia
- Rash
- Fever
- Blood disorders including leucopenia and pancytopenia reported
- Allergic shock if cyst leakage
- Convulsion and meningism in cerebral disease
Pregnancy & Lactation
Albendazole is classified as Pregnancy category C by US FDA. Thus, Albendazole should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefits to the mother 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
- Durazol 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.