ALBENDA 400mg/20ml Suspension

What is ALBENDA 400mg/20ml

ALBENDA 400mg/20ml Suspension is an oral liquid formulation of the antiparasitic drug Albendazole. It is designed for ease of use in pediatric patients and individuals who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Each 20ml bottle contains 400mg of Albendazole, offering a single-dose treatment for many common intestinal worm infections.

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic used to treat a variety of parasitic worm infestations, including:

• Ascariasis (roundworm)
• Enterobiasis (pinworm)
• Trichuriasis (whipworm)
• Ancylostomiasis (hookworm)
• Taeniasis (tapeworm)

Additionally, ALBENDA suspension may be used in systemic infections such as:

• Neurocysticercosis – caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium
• Hydatid disease – caused by Echinococcus granulosus

This formulation is part of many national deworming campaigns, especially in children aged 1–12 years, due to its safety profile and ease of administration.

How to use ALBENDA 400mg/20ml

Proper usage of ALBENDA 400mg/20ml Suspension ensures optimal outcomes in treating parasitic infections. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and frequency.

• Route: Oral – shake the bottle well before use to ensure uniform distribution.
• Timing: Can be taken with or without food; however, taking it with a fatty meal enhances absorption and effectiveness.
• Measurement: Use a dosing syringe, cup, or spoon to ensure accurate measurement. Do not guess or use household teaspoons.

General Instructions:

• Take the entire 20ml dose at once unless your doctor prescribes otherwise.
• Do not mix with water or other liquids unless advised by a physician.
• In children, the suspension may be given directly into the mouth or mixed with a small amount of soft food.

Important Notes:

• Finish the entire dose even if symptoms improve quickly.
• Repeat dosing may be required in 2–3 weeks for some parasitic infections to prevent recurrence.
• Consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen after treatment.

Mode of Action ALBENDA 400mg/20ml

Albendazole works by disrupting key cellular structures in parasitic worms. Its action targets the survival mechanisms of helminths, causing them to die and be expelled from the body.

• Microtubule Inhibition: Albendazole binds to the parasite’s tubulin protein, preventing microtubule formation. Microtubules are critical for nutrient uptake and cell structure in worms.
• Inhibition of Glucose Uptake: The worms are unable to absorb glucose, their main source of energy. As a result, their energy reserves deplete, leading to paralysis and death.
• Disruption of Reproductive Function: The medication affects egg production and embryogenesis, preventing further spread or reinfection.

Pharmacological Properties:

• Absorption: Oral bioavailability is poor unless taken with a fatty meal. Absorbed Albendazole is rapidly metabolized in the liver to its active form—Albendazole sulfoxide.
• Distribution: The active metabolite penetrates tissues effectively, making it suitable for systemic infections like hydatid cysts and neurocysticercosis.
• Excretion: Primarily via bile and feces; a small amount through urine.

This dual mechanism—nutritional starvation and cell structure disruption—makes Albendazole highly effective against a broad range of intestinal and tissue parasites.

ALBENDA 400mg/20ml Interactions ALBENDA 400mg/20ml

ALBENDA Suspension may interact with other medications, potentially affecting its absorption, metabolism, or overall efficacy. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all prescription and non-prescription drugs you are using.

• Phenytoin and Carbamazepine: These anticonvulsants can reduce Albendazole's effectiveness by increasing liver enzyme activity, which accelerates drug metabolism.
• Dexamethasone: May increase plasma levels of Albendazole's active metabolite; sometimes used in conjunction for treating neurocysticercosis.
• Cimetidine: Can elevate Albendazole plasma levels by inhibiting liver enzymes; this might increase efficacy but also side effect risks.
• Praziquantel: May increase absorption of Albendazole. Clinical significance is limited but should be monitored.

Food and Herbal Interactions:

• Fatty meals: Enhance absorption and therapeutic effect—generally recommended.
• Grapefruit juice: May alter drug metabolism; use with caution.
• Herbal supplements: Especially those that induce CYP450 enzymes (e.g., St. John’s Wort) may reduce effectiveness.

Special Populations:

• In patients with liver disease, close monitoring is essential due to potential accumulation and toxicity.
• In long-term use, periodic liver function tests are recommended.

Dosage of ALBENDA 400mg/20ml

The dosing of ALBENDA 400mg/20ml Suspension depends on the type of infection, age of the patient, and weight. Below are general dosing guidelines, but individualized medical advice is essential.

• For Common Intestinal Worms (e.g., roundworm, hookworm, whipworm):
• Children (≥2 years) and adults: Single dose of 20ml (400mg).
• Children (1–2 years): 10ml (200mg) as a single dose.
• Pinworm (Enterobiasis):
• Single 400mg dose; repeat after 2 weeks if reinfection occurs.
• Hydatid disease:
• 10–15 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for 28 days, repeated in cycles as per physician advice.
• Neurocysticercosis:
• 15 mg/kg/day for 8–30 days with adjunctive corticosteroids.

Important Notes:

• Always complete the full treatment course even if symptoms improve.
• Consult a doctor before administering to children under 1 year of age.
• In mass deworming programs, single-dose therapy is often sufficient.

Possible side effects of ALBENDA 400mg/20ml

ALBENDA Suspension is usually well-tolerated, especially with single-dose administration. However, like all medicines, it may cause side effects, particularly with prolonged use or in systemic infections.

• Common Side Effects:
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Uncommon or Rare Side Effects:
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Temporary hair loss (during extended therapy)
• Serious Side Effects (rare):
• Hepatotoxicity – elevated liver enzymes
• Bone marrow suppression – leukopenia, anemia
• Hypersensitivity reactions – rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing

Management Tips:

• Report any persistent or unusual symptoms to a healthcare provider.
• In long-term use, routine liver and blood tests may be required.
• Discontinue the medicine if allergic reactions occur.

ALBENDA 400mg/20ml Contraindications ALBENDA 400mg/20ml

ALBENDA Suspension should not be used in certain medical conditions due to increased risk of adverse effects or lack of sufficient safety data.

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to Albendazole or other benzimidazole derivatives.
• Pregnancy: Not recommended, especially during the first trimester, due to possible teratogenic effects.
• Liver Disease: Use with caution or avoid in patients with active liver disease. Monitoring of liver enzymes is advised in long-term use.
• Bone Marrow Suppression: Avoid in patients with pre-existing blood dyscrasias.

Special Considerations:

• Breastfeeding: Use only if benefits outweigh risks. Limited data available.
• Children under 1 year: Safety not well established; consult a pediatrician.

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting ALBENDA, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are on other medications.

Storage of ALBENDA 400mg/20ml

Proper storage of ALBENDA Suspension helps maintain its efficacy and safety throughout its shelf life.

• Temperature: Store below 25°C (77°F). Avoid high heat or freezing.
• Humidity: Keep the bottle tightly closed to avoid moisture exposure.
• Light: Store in a dark or shaded area, away from direct sunlight.
• Children: Keep out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

After Opening:

• Use within the period mentioned on the label after opening (usually 7–14 days depending on the manufacturer).
• Do not refrigerate unless specifically instructed.

Disposal:

• Do not flush unused medicine down the drain.
• Follow local guidelines for safe disposal of pharmaceuticals.