Albendazole information from DrugsUpdate
P - Contraindicated in pregnancy
L - Contraindicated in lactation
FI - Food *
Albendazole is an anthelmintic or anti-worm medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in the body. It is effective (first line of treatment) against: Flatworms Flukes/trematodes Tapeworm/cestodes Echinococcosis Nematodes Hookworms Roundworms Whipworms Threadworms or pinworms In Africa albendazole (donated by GlaxosmithKline)is being used to treat lymphatic filariasis as part of efforts to stop transmission of the disease. In sub- Saharan Africa, albendazole in used in conjunction with ivermectin, and elsewhere in the world, the medicine is used in combination with diethylcarbamazine. In Brazil and another countries is used against giardiasis.
Pharmacodynamics
Inhibits effect on tubulin polymerization, resulting in loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the GI tract; however, it is rapidly converted to its primary active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, prior to reaching systemic circulation. Fatty meals enhance bioavailability, as indicated by up to a 5-fold increase in plasma concentration in albendazole sulfoxide. Albendazole sulfoxide plasma concentrations are dose dependent. C max is achieved in 2 to 5 h and ranges from 0.46 to 1.58 mcg/mL, with a fatty meal.
Distribution: Albendazole sulfoxide is 70% protein bound and widely distributed throughout the body. Metabolism After metabolism in the liver to albendazole sulfoxide, it is further metabolized to albendazole sulfone and other oxidative metabolites.
Elimination: Albendazole sulfoxide elimination is 8 to 12 h. Biliary elimination of albendazole sulfoxide results in biliary concentrations similar to plasma concentration. Urinary excretion is a minor elimination pathway (less than 1%).
Special Populations Hepatic Function Impairment Systemic availability of albendazole sulfoxide is increased in patients with extrahepatic obstruction.
Albendazole Indications / Albendazole Uses
Information Not Available
Albendazole Adverse Reactions / Albendazole Side Effects
CNS Headache (11%); raised intracranial pressure (2%); dizziness/vertigo, meningeal signs (1%). Dermatologic Reversible alopecia (2%); erythema multiforme, hypersensitivity including rash and urticaria (less than 1%); Stevens-Johnson syndrome (postmarketing). GI Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting (6%). Genitourinary Acute renal failure (postmarketing). Hepatic Abnormal LFTs (16%); hepatitis (postmarketing). Hematologic-Lymphatic Leukopenia (less than 1%); agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia (rare); aplastic anemia (postmarketing). Miscellaneous Fever (1%).
Precautions
Monitor blood cell counts and liver function (transaminases) at the beginning of each 28-day cycle of therapy and every 2 wk while on therapy. Discontinue therapy if liver enzymes are significantly increased. Treatment can be resumed when hepatic enzymes have returned to pretreatment levels, but perform lab tests frequently during repeat therapy.
Special Precautions
Monitor blood counts and liver function. Administer within 7 days of start of normal menstruation in women of childbearing age. Adequate nonhormonal contraceptive measures must be taken during and for 1 mth after therapy. Perform liver function tests and blood counts before and every 2 wk during high dose therapy of hydatid disease.
Other Drug Interactions
Cimetidine In hydatid cyst patients, albendazole sulfoxide concentrations in bile and cystic fluid may be increased about 2-fold; however, plasma levels are unchanged 4 h after dosing. Dexamethasone Albendazole C trough at steady state was about 56% higher when coadministered with dexamethasone 8 mg. Praziquantel Albendazole sulfoxide C max may be elevated about 50%, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Theophylline Although theophylline pharmacokinetics are unchanged by albendazole, monitor plasma concentrations during and after albendazole treatment.
Other Interactions
Food Interactions Grapefruit juice: Plasma concentrations may be elevated and the T may be shortened.
Dosage
Oral Echinococcosis Adult: >60 kg: 400 mg bid for 28 days; <60 kg: 15 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses. Max dose: 800 mg daily. For cystic echinococcosis, up to 3 treatment cycles of 28 days each may be given with 14 treatment-free days in between cycles. For alveolar echinococcosis, treatment cycles of 28 days each with 14 treatment-free days in between. Treatment cycles may need to be continued for mth or yr until complete eradication of parasites. Oral Neurocysticercosis Adult: >60 kg: 400 mg bid; <60 kg: 15 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses for 8-30 days. Max Dosage: Adult <60 kg: 800 mg daily. Oral Enterobiasis Adult: 400 mg as a single dose. Child: ≥2 yr: 400 mg as a single dose; 1-2 yr: 200 mg as a single dose for enterobiasis. Oral Ascariasis Adult: 400 mg as a single dose. Child: ≥2 yr: 400 mg as a single dose; 1-2 yr: 200 mg as a single dose for enterobiasis. Oral Hookworm infections Adult: 400 mg as a single dose. Child: ≥2 yr: 400 mg as a single dose; 1-2 yr: 200 mg as a single dose for enterobiasis. Oral Strongyloidiasis Adult: 400 mg once daily or bid for 3 consecutive days, repeated after 3 wk if necessary. Oral Giardiasis Adult: 400 mg daily for 5 days. Child: 400 mg daily for 5 days.
Food(before/after)
Should be taken with food.
List of Contraindications
Albendazole and Pregnancy
Contraindicated in pregnancy Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Albendazole and Lactation
Contraindicated in lactation
Albendazole and Children
Information Not Available
Albendazole and Geriatic
Information Not Available
Albendazole and Other Contraindications
Information Not Available
Storage
Store at 20-25 ℃
Lab interference
Store at 20-25 ℃
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