Almex
Form: Suspension
Strength: 200mg/5ml
Generic Name: Albendazole
Company: Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 23.0 (10ml bot)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Almex is used to treat various worm infestations such as hookworm, roundworm, threadworm, whipworm, strongyloides, tapeworm, opisthorchi, and hydatid.
Pharmacology
Almex is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic. Almex 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 Almex binds to human tubulin, the main effect occurs in the parasites. Almex is poorly absorbed in the gut but metabolized in the liver, with its main metabolite, albendazole sulphoxide, having anthelmintic activity. Almex 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
Almex should not be used in neonates or pregnant women. In children under 10 kg, the dose should be reduced to 200 mg. Almex is not known if Almex 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
Almex should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Almex 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. Almex 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
Almex 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.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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