Albendazole
Albendazole is a broad spectrum antiparasitic agent, developed as a veterinary anthelmintic and was first approved for humun use in 1982. Albendazole is a benzimidazole carbamate. Chemically Albendazole is identified as [5-(propylthio)-1H-benzimidazol-2y] carbamic acid methyl ester. Albendazole is effective against pin worm infection, ascariasis, trichuriasis and infection with both hookworm species. Albendazole is administerd orally.
Primary Characteristics
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Benzimidazole.
It belongs to Fumarate reductase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Anthelmintics pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 265.3 · Solubility in Water: insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: insoluble · Non-proprietary name: Albendazole.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Albendazole has an oral bioavailability is 5% (±5%), pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 75% (±5%).
Distribution: Albendazole has a plasma protein binding is 70%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 8-12 hr.
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Indications
Albendazole is primarily indicated in conditions like Ascariasis, Capillariasis, Enterobiasis, Giardiasis, Hook worm infection, Hydatid disease, Lymphatic filariasis, Microsporidiosis, Neurocysticercosis, Opisthorchis, Pin worm infection, Strongyloidiasis, Tapeworm infection, Thread-worm infection.
Contraindications
Albendazole is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to the drug.
Dosage
Albendazole's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 15 mg/Kg/day | 15 mg/Kg/day | — | PO | For echinococcosis patients |
| 400 mg | 400 mg | — | PO | Single dose (once) or as required. |
| 400 mg/day | 400 mg/day | — | PO | For 10 days in Capillariaris |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 40 mg/kg | 40 mg/kg | Every 24h | Oral | For 3 Days |
| 400 mg/day | 400 mg/day | — | PO | For 5 days in giardiasis in children |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Albendazole in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Reversible neutropenia.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Albendazole are Diarrhea, Vomiting, Tachycardia , Respiratory distress.
Albendazole is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Reversible alopecia, Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
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Single Ingredient
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.6.1.1 — Intestinal anthelmintics
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Albendazole in Pakistan: