PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION:
Albendazole is a benzimidazole carbamate with anthelmintic and
antiprotozoal activity against intestinal and tissue parasites.
Animal studies have shown that albendazole exhibits vermicidal,
ovacidal and larvacidal activity and exerts its anthelmintic effect
by inhibiting tubulin polymerization. This causes the disruption of
the helminth metabolism, including energy depletion, which
immobilises and then kills the susceptible helminth. In man, after
oral administration, albendazole is absorbed and completely
metabolized. At a dose of 6.6 mg/kg of albendazole the plasma
concentration of its main metabolite, the sulfoxide, attains a
maximum of 0.25 to 0.30 micrograms/mL after approximately 2½ hours.
The half-life of the sulfoxide in the plasma is 8% hours. The
metabolite is essentially eliminated via the urine.
INDICATIONS:
Albendazoleis indicated in the treatment of single or mixed
intestinal parasites. Clinical studies have shown albeneffective in
the treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura , Enterobius vermicularis , Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus , Taenia spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis.
Albendazole has been shown to be effective in the treatment of
Giardia (duodenalis or intestinalis or lamblia) infections in
children.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Albendazole is known to be teratogenic and embryotoxic in animals.
The safety of albendazole during pregnancy has not been
established, and Albendazole should not be taken by pregnant women
at any stage of their pregnancy or by women who are likely to
become pregnant, during or shortly after the course of therapy.
Albendazole is contra-indicated in patients with a known history of
hypersensitivity to albendazole or constituents.
WARNINGS:
It has been noted that leucopaenia has occurred when used for
periods longer than recommended.
DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
400 mg albendazole as a single dose in both adults and children
over two years of age. The tablets may be chewed, swallowed or
crushed and mixed with food. The usual dose in children between one
and two years of age is 200 mg as a single dose. In heavy mixed
infestation involving Strongyloides or Taeniasis, a single daily
dose may be inadequate and the dose may be given for three
consecutive days.
SIDE EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
Gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness have
been reported.
Hypersensitivity reactions including rash. pruritus and urticaria
have been reported less frequently.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store below 25°C. Keep out of reach of children.
