Albendazole Medicine: Uses, Dosage, and Benefits in Treating Parasitic Infection

Professional Albendazole Medicine

Description:
Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) drug used to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections. It works by inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin, which disrupts the metabolic processes of the parasite, leading to its death. Albendazole is widely used for the treatment of intestinal helminths, tissue parasites, and other systemic parasitic infections.

Uses:

1. Treatment of Neurocysticercosis caused by Taenia solium (pork tapeworm).
2. Treatment of Hydatid disease (echinococcosis) caused by Echinococcus granulosus.
3. Treatment of Ascariasis (roundworm infection).
4. Treatment of Hookworm infections (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus).
5. Treatment of Trichuriasis (whipworm infection).
6. Treatment of Strongyloidiasis (threadworm infection).
7. Treatment of Enterobiasis (pinworm infection).
8. Prophylactic treatment for patients exposed to parasitic infections in endemic areas.

Dosage:

• For Adults:
• Neurocysticercosis: 15 mg/kg/day in divided doses for 8-30 days.
• Hydatid disease: 400 mg twice daily for 28 days, followed by a 14-day drug-free period, repeated for 3 cycles.
• Other parasitic infections: 400 mg once daily for 3-5 days.
• For Children:
• Doses are adjusted according to weight, generally 15 mg/kg/day.
• In children above 2 years of age, 400 mg once daily for 3-5 days for common infections like ascariasis, hookworm, and pinworm.

Side Effects:

1. Nausea and vomiting.
2. Abdominal pain or cramps.
3. Headache or dizziness.
4. Elevated liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity).
5. Bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia).
6. Allergic reactions (rash, itching, urticaria).
7. Hair loss (reversible).
8. Fatigue or general weakness. Brand Names and Company (India/US) & Price:

• India:
• Zentel by GlaxoSmithKline – ₹15-₹20 per 400 mg tablet.
• Alben by Intas – ₹12 per 400 mg tablet.
• US:
• Albenza by Amedra Pharmaceuticals – Approx. $60 per 200 mg tablet.
• Valbazen (oral suspension for veterinary use) – Approx. $45 for 500 ml.

Mechanism of Action:
Albendazole selectively binds to the parasite’s tubulin, preventing its polymerization into microtubules, which are essential for the parasite’s glucose uptake. This results in energy depletion, impaired mobility, and eventual death of the parasite. Albendazole also disrupts the reproduction of parasites, preventing the formation of eggs and larvae.

Contraindications:

1. Known hypersensitivity to Albendazole or other benzimidazole derivatives.
2. Severe hepatic impairment.
3. Pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, due to potential teratogenic effects.
4. Lactating women should avoid using Albendazole unless necessary.

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Drug Interactions:

1. Cimetidine: May increase plasma levels of bendy tablet by inhibiting its metabolism.
2. Dexamethasone: Increases bendy tablet concentration and may enhance its effects.
3. Theophylline: Albendazole may alter its metabolism, requiring monitoring of serum levels.
4. Praziquantel: Increases plasma concentration of Albendazole, enhancing its activity.
5. Ritonavir and other enzyme inducers: May decrease the effectiveness of Albendazole by increasing its metabolism.

Precautions:

1. Monitor liver function before and during prolonged use of bendy tablet.
2. Regular blood counts are required due to the risk of bone marrow suppression.
3. Avoid in pregnant women, particularly in the first trimester, due to teratogenic risk.
4. Use with caution in patients with a history of liver disease or those receiving long-term therapy.
5. Ensure effective contraception in women of childbearing age during treatment and for at least 1 month after therapy ends.

Patient Counseling Information:

• Instruct patients to take bendy tablet with a fatty meal to improve absorption.
• Advise patients on the need for regular liver function tests and blood counts, particularly with long-term use.
• Warn patients of potential side effects like dizziness and nausea and advise them to report any signs of bone marrow suppression (such as unusual bruising or bleeding).
• Inform women of reproductive age about the need for effective contraception during treatment.
• Encourage patients to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve earlier.

Conclusion:
Albendazole is an effective anthelmintic agent widely used to treat parasitic infections. While generally well-tolerated, it can cause significant side effects in some patients, particularly with prolonged use. Careful monitoring is essential in high-risk populations, such as those with liver impairment or undergoing long-term therapy. Albendazole’s efficacy in treating a broad spectrum of parasitic infections makes it a valuable medicine in both endemic and non-endemic regions.

References:

1. World Health Organization (WHO). “bendy tablet: Treatment and Use in Parasitic Infections.” 2019.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Albendazole Information for Healthcare Providers.” Updated 2021.
3. GlaxoSmithKline Product Information – Zentel (Albendazole).

Example:
A patient with neurocysticercosis presents with seizures. After imaging confirms the diagnosis, the patient is treated with bendy tablet 15 mg/kg/day for 14 days, along with adjunctive corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation. The treatment is well-tolerated, and follow-up imaging shows a reduction in cystic lesions.

Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations tailored to individual conditions.

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