| Albendazole Pharmacology |
| Albendazole |
| About Albendazole |
| Benzimidazole derivative, Antihelmintic. |
| Mechanism of Action of Albendazole |
| Albendazole is used as a broad spectrum anthelminthic which acts by blocking glucose uptake in the parasite and depletion of its glycogen stores. It causes selective degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubules in intestinal and tegmental cells of intestinal helminthes and larvae. Intracellular microtubules in the cells of the worm are gradually lost. The drug binds to beta tubulin of susceptible worms with high affinity and inhibits its polymerization. Single dose treatment is effective against Ascaris, Hook worm, and Enterobius. It is superior to Mebendazole for treatment of Hydatid worm, and strongyloidosis. It is also used in the treatment of tape worms, Filariasis, and Trichuriasis. |
| Pharmacokinets of Albendazole |
| Absorption: Poorly absorbed after oral administration and undergoes first pass metabolism. Distribution: Albendazole sulfoxide is widely distributed in the body, Metabolism: Metabolized mainly by sulfoxidation. Excretion: Excreted through urine. |
| Onset of Action for Albendazole |
| N/A |
| Duration of Action for Albendazole |
| N/A |
| Half Life of Albendazole |
| 8 to 12 hours. |
| Side Effects of Albendazole |
| 1.Epigastric distress 2.Nausea 3.Vomiting 4.Altered liver enzyme levels. Prolonged use as in Neurocysticercosis and Hydatid worm infestation causes side effects such as: 1.Headache 2.Dizziness 3.Alopecia 4.Jaundice 5.Neutropenia |
| Contra-indications of Albendazole |
| 1 Hypersensitivity to the drug. |
| Special Precautions while taking Albendazole |
| 1.Hepatic impairment 2.Renal impairment 3.Women of childbearing age should be cautioned against becoming pregnant while on Albendazole or within 1 month of completing treatment, 4.Perform liver function tests and blood counts during prolonged therapy. |
| Pregnancy Related Information |
| Contraindicated. |
| Old Age Related Information |
| May be used. |
| Breast Feeding Related Information |
| Use with caution. |
| Children Related Information |
| May be used. NEONATES:Contraindicated |
| Indications for Albendazole |
| 1.Hook worm infestation 2.Pin worm infestation 3.Round worm infestation 4.Neurocysticercosis 5.Strongyloidiasis 6.Taeniasis 7.H. nana infestation 8.Giardiasis. 9.Hydatid worm infestation |
| Interactions for Albendazole |
| Praziquantel: Efficacy of albendazole enhanced . Cimetidine: Albendazole sulphoxide concentration in bile and cystic fluid increase 2 fold in hydatid cyst disease. |
| Typical Dosage for Albendazole |
| Oral: Adults and children after 2 years: Hook worm, Pin worm, and Round worm: 400mg as a single dose. Repetition after 3 weeks increases efficiency. Neurocysticercosis: 400mg tablet twice daily with meals; for 8 days to one month. Dose should not exceed 15mg/kg/day. Administer anticonvulsants and steroids along with the therapy. Hydatid worm: 400mg twice daily for four weeks with a drug free interval of 14 days. Repeat for 3 cycles. Dose should not exceed 15mg/kg/day. Strongyloidiasis, Taeniasis, H. nana infections: 400mg single dose for 3 consecutive days. Repeat after 3 weeks if required. Giardiasis: 400mg once daily for 3 to 5 days. Children (age 1 to 2 years): 200mg as a single dose. |
| Schedule of Albendazole |
| H |
| Storage Requirements for Albendazole |
| Store in a well closed container at a temperature range of 15 to 300C. Protect from light, heat, and moisture. |
| Effects of Missed Dosage of Albendazole |
| Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Effects of Overdose of Albendazole |
| Provide symptomatic treatment and supportive measures. |