Albenda-DS
Generic Name
Albendazole
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Description
Overview of the medicine
Albenda-DS (Albendazole) is an anthelmintic medication used to treat various parasitic worm infestations, including neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease, and common intestinal worms like ascariasis, hookworm, and pinworm.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Intestinal Nematodes (e.g., Ascariasis, Hookworm, Pinworm, Trichuriasis): 400 mg as a single dose. Strongyloidiasis/Taeniasis: 400 mg once daily for 3 days. Neurocysticercosis: 15 mg/kg/day divided BID for 8-30 days. Hydatid disease: 400 mg BID for 28 days, may repeat cycles for 1-6 months.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is usually required, but monitor renal and hepatic function, especially with prolonged therapy.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment generally needed for patients with renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases.
How to Take
Albenda-DS should be taken with food, especially a fatty meal, to enhance absorption. Chewable tablets should be chewed or crushed before swallowing.
Mechanism of Action
Albendazole binds to beta-tubulin, inhibiting microtubule polymerization in helminths. This leads to impaired glucose uptake, reduced ATP production, and eventually immobilization and death of the worms.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Variable, depending on the type of worm and site of infection. Effects can be seen within days for intestinal worms, longer for tissue infections.
Excretion
Primarily via bile (feces) as metabolites. A small amount is excreted renally.
Half life
Parent drug: Less than 1 hour. Active metabolite (albendazole sulfoxide): 8-12 hours.
Absorption
Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (less than 5%). Absorption is significantly increased with fatty meals.
Metabolism
Rapidly and extensively metabolized in the liver to its primary active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, which is then further metabolized.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazole derivatives
- Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
- Children under 6 years for neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease (due to safety data limitations)
Drug Interactions
Ritonavir
May increase albendazole levels. Monitor for increased adverse effects.
Cimetidine
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Praziquantel
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Theophylline
Albendazole may slightly increase theophylline levels; monitor.
Dexamethasone
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be given. There is no specific antidote for albendazole overdose.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Albendazole is embryotoxic and teratogenic in animals. It should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy and used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Use during lactation should be with caution as minimal amounts may be excreted in breast milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazole derivatives
- Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
- Children under 6 years for neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease (due to safety data limitations)
Drug Interactions
Ritonavir
May increase albendazole levels. Monitor for increased adverse effects.
Cimetidine
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Praziquantel
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Theophylline
Albendazole may slightly increase theophylline levels; monitor.
Dexamethasone
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be given. There is no specific antidote for albendazole overdose.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Albendazole is embryotoxic and teratogenic in animals. It should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy and used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Use during lactation should be with caution as minimal amounts may be excreted in breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved (FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Albendazole has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in treating various helminthic infections across different populations and geographical regions.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (LFTs): Before initiation of prolonged therapy and every two weeks during treatment.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): For prolonged or high-dose therapy, monitor at baseline and every two weeks during treatment.
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients to take Albenda-DS with a fatty meal to maximize absorption, especially for systemic infections.
- Emphasize strict adherence to the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment.
- For prolonged therapy (e.g., neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease), ensure regular monitoring of LFTs and CBCs due to potential hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression.
- Counsel patients on good hygiene practices to prevent re-infection.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine with food to improve absorption.
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Report any fever, sore throat, unusual bruising, or yellowing of the skin/eyes to your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Albendazole may cause dizziness in some patients. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing, to prevent re-infection.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.
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