Albendazole

Listed in Dosage.

Adult: PO Echinococcosis <60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses. Max: 800 mg daily. ≥60 kg: 400 mg bid. Administer doses for 28-day cycle followed by a 14-day drug-free interval for a total of 3 cycles. Neurocysticercosis<60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses. Max: 800 mg daily. ≥60 kg 400 mg bid. Duration of treatment: 8-30 days. Hookworm infection; Ascariasis; Trichuriasis; Enterobiasis 400 mg as a single dose. Tapeworm infections 400 mg daily for 3 consecutive days. Max: 400 mg daily; 1,200 mg for 3 days. If patient is not cured after 3 weeks, a second course of treatment is needed. In cases of Hymenolepis nana infestations, retreatment in 10-21 days is recommended. Opisthorchiasis; Clonorchiasis 400 mg bid for 3 days. Confirm with your doctor after 1 month if worms have been eradicated. Cutaneous larva migrans 400 mg once daily for 1-3 days.

Should be taken with food.

Hypersensitivity. Pregnancy.

Patient with neurocysticercosis, retinal lesions. May cause inflammatory reaction within the brain. Increased risk of bone marrow suppression in patient with liver disease. Hepatic impairment. Lactation. Patient Counselling This drug may cause dizziness, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Maintain strict hygiene. Monitoring Parameters Monitor LFT and CBC with differential at start of each 28-day cycle and every 2 weeks during therapy. Assess faecal specimens for ova and parasites for 3 weeks after treatment. Obtain baseline ophthalmic exam for retinal lesions. Monitor for cerebral hypertension, focal neurologic deficits, or seizures after initiation of therapy and obtain pregnancy test during treatment.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Leukopenia, neutropenia. Eye disorders: Blurred vision. Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. General disorders and administration site conditions: Fever, asthenia. Hepatobiliary disorders: Mild to moderate hepatic enzyme elevation, hepatitis, acute liver failure. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Rhabdomyolysis. Nervous system disorders: Headache, dizziness, somnolence, convulsion. Renal and urinary disorders: Acute renal failure. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Itchiness, alopecia, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Potentially Fatal: Hypersensitivity reactions e.g. rash, pruritus, urticaria; bone marrow suppression, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, aplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis.

May increase plasma concentration with cimetidine, dexamethasone and praziquantel. May decrease serum concentrations with carbamazepine, ritonavir, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.

Anthelmintics

P02CA03 - albendazole ; Belongs to the class of benzimidazole derivative agents. Used as antinematodal.