Alben 200 mg/5 ml

Description

Indications
Alben is indicated for the treatment of single and mixed infestations of various parasitic infections, including:

• Hookworm (Ancylostoma, Necator)
• Roundworm (Ascaris)
• Threadworm (Enterobius)
• Whipworm (Trichuris)
• Strongyloides
• Tapeworm
• Opisthorchis
• Hydatid disease (Echinococcosis)

Use as directed by a registered physician.

Description
Alben is a benzimidazole-based anthelmintic effective against a wide range of nematodes and some cestodes. It is primarily used to treat intestinal nematode infections and, at higher doses, hydatid disease. Alben possesses vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal properties. Its primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting tubulin polymerization, leading to the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules, ultimately disrupting parasite survival.

Pharmacology
Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic with vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal properties. It exerts its effect by disrupting glucose uptake in susceptible helminths, depleting their energy supply, leading to immobilization and eventual death. This is primarily attributed to Albendazole and its metabolites binding to and inhibiting parasite tubulin polymerization, though it can also bind to human tubulin. Albendazole undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver and is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Its principal active metabolite, albendazole sulphoxide, has an anthelmintic effect with a plasma half-life of approximately 8.5 hours. The drug is excreted in urine along with other metabolites.

Dosage & Administration
For Adults and Children Over 2 Years:

• For Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus: 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as a single dose.
• For strongyloidiasis or taeniasis: 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) daily for 3 consecutive days. If not cured after three weeks, a second course may be required.

For Children (1-2 Years):

• A single dose of 200 mg (5 ml suspension).

For Children Under 1 Year:

• Not recommended.

For Hydatid Disease (Echinococcosis):

• Patients over 60 kg: 400 mg twice daily for 28 days.
• Patients under 60 kg: 15 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into two doses (maximum daily dose: 800 mg).
• For cystic echinococcosis: Treatment cycles of 28 days, followed by a 14-day break, up to three cycles.
• For alveolar echinococcosis: Treatment cycles of 28 days followed by a 14-day break may be required for months or years.
• For giardiasis: 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) once daily for five days.

Use as directed by a registered physician.

Drug Interactions
No known pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interactions have been reported with Alben.

Contraindications

• Neonates: Albendazole is not recommended.
• Children under 10 kg: Dosage reduction to 200 mg may be considered.
• Pregnancy: Albendazole should not be used during pregnancy or in women suspected to be pregnant due to lack of placental transfer data.
• Concurrent conditions: No dosage adjustment is necessary in cases of renal, hepatic, or cardiac failure.

Side Effects
Possible side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Headache, dizziness
• Changes in liver enzyme levels
• Rare occurrences of reversible alopecia
• Skin rash, fever
• Blood disorders such as leucopenia and pancytopenia
• Allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock if cyst leakage occurs
• Convulsions and meningitis-like symptoms in cerebral disease

Pregnancy & Lactation
Albendazole falls under the US FDA Pregnancy Category C, meaning it should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

Precautions & Warnings

• Blood counts and liver function tests should be performed before and twice during each treatment cycle.
• Not recommended for use while breastfeeding.
• Pregnancy must be ruled out before initiating treatment.
• When treating echinococcosis, regular monitoring of liver enzymes, leukocytes, and platelet counts is necessary.

Therapeutic Class
Anthelmintic

Storage Conditions
Store in a dry place, away from direct light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.