Indications:

indicated in single and mixed infestations of-

• Hookworm (Ancylostoma, Necator)
• Roundworm (Ascaris)
• Threadworm (Enterobius)
• Whipworm (Trichuris)
• Strongyloides
• Tapeworm
• Opisthorchi
• Hydatid.

Pharmacology:

Ben-A 400 is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic. Albendazole has insecticidal, ovoicidal and larvicidal activities. It is believed that the drug exerts its anthelmintic effect by blocking glucose uptake by susceptible worms, expending energy levels until it is insufficient to survive. After the fixation is the parasite. These events may be the result of the binding of albendazole and its metabolites and subsequent inhibition of parasite tubulin polymerization, although the drug also binds to human tubulin. Albendazole is extensively metabolized, possibly in the liver. Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but rapidly undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism. The main metabolite albendazole sulfoxide has anthelmintic activity, and the plasma half-life is about 8.5 hours. It is excreted in the urine along with other metabolites.

Dosage (breakdown or, not) :

Adult: 

• 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as a single dose in cases of Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
• In cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) daily should be given for 3 consecutive days. If the patient is not cured on follow-up after three weeks, a second course of treatment is indicated.

Child: 

• Children of 1-2 years: Recommended dose is a single dose of 200 mg (5 ml suspension).
• Children under 1 year: Not recommended.

Administration:

Increased serum concentrations w/ dexamethasone, praziquantel and cimetidine. Decreased serum concentrations w/ aminoquinoline (antimalarials), carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.

Interaction:

Pregnancy and lactation. Neonates. Hypersensitivity, liver impairment.

Contraindication:

Child: PO 15 mg/kg/day (max 800 mg/day) q12h

Side Effects: 

Gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, dizziness, changes in liver enzymes, rarely reversible alopecia; rash, fever, blood disorders including leucopenia and pancytopenia reported; allergic shock if cyst leakage; convulsion and meningism in cerebral disease.

Pregnancy: 

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

Precautions & Warnings: 

Breastfeeding; excluding pregnancy before commencing therapy; blood counts and liver function tests before treatment and again during each cycle. Albendazole should only be used to treat Echinococcosis under strict medical supervision and with regular monitoring of serum transaminase levels, as well as leucocyte and platelet counts.

Storage Conditions:

Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.