Almex
Generic Name
Albendazole
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| almex 200 mg suspension | ৳ 23.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Almex 200 mg Suspension contains Albendazole, an anthelmintic medication used to treat various parasitic worm infestations in the intestines and other tissues. It works by starving the worms of glucose, leading to their death.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For common intestinal helminthiasis (e.g., roundworm, hookworm, whipworm): 10 mL (400 mg) as a single dose. For strongyloidiasis or taeniasis: 10 mL (400 mg) once daily for 3 days. For systemic infections (e.g., neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease): Dosage varies, typically 10 mL (400 mg) twice daily with meals for several days to months, as prescribed by a physician.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment is usually required, but caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment.
Renal_impairment
No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment.
How to Take
For common worm infestations, Almex suspension can be taken with or without food. For systemic infections (e.g., hydatid disease, neurocysticercosis), it should be taken with fatty meals to enhance absorption. Shake the bottle well before each use. For children 1-2 years, the dose is typically 5 mL (200 mg) as a single dose for common worms.
Mechanism of Action
Albendazole selectively binds to beta-tubulin in intestinal and other parasitic cells, inhibiting microtubule polymerization. This disruption impairs glucose uptake and leads to depletion of energy reserves, immobilization, and ultimately death of the parasite.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Effects typically observed within hours to days, depending on the type of worm and infection site.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in the urine as metabolites, with less than 1% excreted unchanged.
Half life
Albendazole sulfoxide (active metabolite) has a plasma half-life of approximately 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.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazole derivatives.
- Pregnancy, especially during the first trimester (unless the benefits outweigh the risks in specific severe cases).
Drug Interactions
Cimetidine
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Praziquantel
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Theophylline
Albendazole may decrease plasma concentrations of theophylline; monitor theophylline levels.
Dexamethasone
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Gastric lavage and general supportive measures may be useful. No specific antidote is available.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C in the first trimester. Should be avoided during the first trimester. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus in later trimesters. It is unknown if albendazole is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazole derivatives.
- Pregnancy, especially during the first trimester (unless the benefits outweigh the risks in specific severe cases).
Drug Interactions
Cimetidine
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Praziquantel
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Theophylline
Albendazole may decrease plasma concentrations of theophylline; monitor theophylline levels.
Dexamethasone
Increases plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Gastric lavage and general supportive measures may be useful. No specific antidote is available.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C in the first trimester. Should be avoided during the first trimester. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus in later trimesters. It is unknown if albendazole is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved (DGDA, FDA)
Patent Status
Expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Albendazole has undergone extensive clinical trials globally, confirming its efficacy and safety for a wide range of parasitic infections. Post-market surveillance continues to monitor its long-term effects.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (e.g., AST, ALT) should be performed before initiating treatment and every 2 weeks during prolonged high-dose therapy.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) including white blood cell count should be monitored at the start of treatment and every 2 weeks during prolonged high-dose therapy.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of completing the full treatment course to patients, even if symptoms resolve early, to prevent relapse and resistance.
- For pinworm infections, advise simultaneous treatment of all close contacts/household members to interrupt the transmission cycle.
- For systemic indications, ensure the medication is taken with fatty meals for optimal absorption and efficacy. Monitor liver function and blood counts as indicated.
Patient Guidelines
- Always complete the full prescribed course of Almex, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of worms.
- Shake the suspension bottle well before each use to ensure even distribution of the active ingredient.
- Report any unusual or severe side effects, especially fever, rash, or yellowing of the skin/eyes, to your doctor immediately.
- For pinworm infections, it is often recommended to treat all household members simultaneously to prevent re-infection.
Missed Dose Advice
As Almex is often given as a single dose or a short course, if a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
Driving Precautions
Almex may cause dizziness in some individuals. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they are aware of how the medication affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain strict personal hygiene, including thorough hand washing before meals and after using the toilet, to prevent re-infection.
- Ensure proper sanitation, drink clean water, and avoid eating uncooked or unwashed vegetables/fruits in endemic areas.
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