Alben DS
Form: tablet
Strength: 400mg
Generic Name: Albendazole
Company: Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 5.0 (Strip=10)
Per Piece: ৳ 0.50
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Alben DS is used to treat various worm infestations such as hookworm, roundworm, threadworm, whipworm, strongyloides, tapeworm, opisthorchi, and hydatid.
Pharmacology
Alben DS is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic. Alben DS works by blocking glucose uptake in worms, causing them to lose energy and become immobilized. This happens because the drug binds to parasite tubulin, disrupting its function. Although Alben DS binds to human tubulin, the main effect occurs in the parasites. Alben DS is poorly absorbed in the gut but metabolized in the liver, with its main metabolite, albendazole sulphoxide, having anthelmintic activity. Alben DS is mainly excreted in the urine.
Dosage & Administration
Adults & children over 2 years: 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as a single dose for certain types of worm infestations.
For strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg daily for 3 days. If not cured after 3 weeks, a second course is recommended.
Children 1-2 years: 200 mg (5 ml suspension) as a single dose.
Children under 1 year: Not recommended.
Hydatid disease: For patients over 60 kg, 400 mg twice a day for 28 days. For patients under 60 kg, 15 mg/kg body weight daily in two doses.
Giardiasis: 400 mg daily for five days.
Interaction
No significant interactions with other medicines have been reported.
Contraindications
Alben DS should not be used in neonates or pregnant women. In children under 10 kg, the dose should be reduced to 200 mg. Alben DS is not known if Alben DS can be transferred to the fetus during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, dizziness, changes in liver enzymes, and rare side effects such as hair loss, rash, fever, blood disorders, allergic reactions, convulsions, and meningism.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Alben DS should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Alben DS is classified under the US FDA Pregnancy Category C.
Precautions & Warnings
Before starting treatment, blood counts and liver function tests should be done. Regular monitoring is required during treatment, especially in patients with a history of liver issues. Alben DS should only be used in the treatment of Echinococcosis under medical supervision.
Overdose Effects
There have been limited reports of overdose. Symptoms may include drowsiness and abdominal pain. Overdose management includes treating symptoms and regular monitoring. There are no specific antidotes available for an overdose.
Therapeutic Class
Alben DS is classified as an anthelmintic drug.
Storage Conditions
Store in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.