Albendazole : Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Generic Name

Albendazole

Therapeutic Class: Anthelmintic

Description:

Albendazole may be a broad spectrum benzimidazole anthelminthic drug. additionally, to its vermicidal properties, it's both ovicidal and larvicidal activities.

Indications:

• Albendazole is indicated in single and mixed infestations of-
• Enterobius vermicularis
• Trichuris trichuriasis
• Ascaris lumbricoides
• Ancylostoma duodenal
• Necator americanus
• Taenia spp.
• Strongyloides stercoralis.

Dosage & Administration:

Adults & children over 2 years:

• 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as one dose in cases of pinworm, Trichuris trichiura, common roundworm, Ancylostoma duodenal, and Necator americanus.
• In cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) daily should tend for 3 consecutive days. If the patient isn't cured on follow-up after three weeks, the second course of treatment is indicated. 

Children of 1-2 years: Recommended dose may be a single dose of 200 mg (5 ml suspension).

Children under 1 year: Not recommended.

In echinococcosis (Echinococcosis):

• Albendazole is given orally with meals during a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 28 days for patients weighing over 60 kg.
• A dose of 15 mg/kg weight daily in two divided doses (to a maximum total daily dose of 800 mg) is employed for patients weighing but 60 kg.
• For cystic echinococcosis, the 28 days course could also be repeated after 14 days without treatment, to a complete of three treatment cycles.
• For alveolar echinococcosis, cycles of 28 days of treatment followed by 14 days without treatment, may have to continue for months or years.
• In giardiasis, 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) once daily for five days is employed.

Interaction:

There is no significant drug interaction with Albendazole.

Contraindications:

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole class of compounds or any components of the preparation.

Side Effects:

A few cases of gastrointestinal discomfort and headache are reported, but no definite relationship with the drug has been shown.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

US FDA Pregnancy category of Albendazole is C. So, Albendazole should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefits to the opposite outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Precautions & Warnings:

It should be discontinued altogether for patients if clinically significant decreases in blood corpuscle counts occur.

Storage:

Keep in a dry place, far away from light and warmth. exclude the reach of children.