Albenza displays antiparasitic activity. Albendazole (operating agent) affects the β-tubulin polymerization, stops it. As the result there is an infringement of microtubule formation in the intestines of parasites, their ability to absorb glucose is suppressed, blocked the normal migration of intracellular organelles, synthesis of ATP in their muscles. Created concentration of the remedy leads to the death of worms.
In what kind of disease treatment, Albenza is helpful?
It could be successful for treating:
Neurocysticercosis
Echinococcosis of the peritoneum, liver, lungs
Contraindication to surgery for cystic echinococcosis
Need for a surgery in cystic echinococcosis to reduce the amount of cysts
Arachnoid, intragastric cyst
Ascariasis
Trichinosis
Enterobiasis
Hookworm disease
Opisthorchiasis
Lambliosis
Microsporidia
Toxocariasis
Gnathostomiasis
Capillariasis
Mixed helminthiasis
What should I tell my health care provider before I take Albenza?
Albenza couldn’t be prescribed if:
Helminthiasis in kids under 2 years of age
Intolerability to the remedy ingredients
Gestation
Nursing mothers
You must be wary if:
Retinal pathology on the background of cysticercosis
Cirrhosis
Inhibition of bone marrow hematopoiesis
How should I take Albenza?
To make it easier to swallow a pill drink a little bit of water prior to swallowing and a glass of water after it. Swallow the tablet in a standing position. If the tablet is stuck in your throat, try to eat some soft foods (eg banana). With food the tablet would easier pass inside. These pills should be taken while eating. To even further facilitate the consumption of the pills you can crumble the pill and mix it with food, this method is very convenient if you want to give the pill to kids.
With neurocysticercosis: 15 mg /1 kg of body weight daily. Length of the course — 8 days. In the absence of full recovery, repeat the course
With ascariasis, hookworm or enterobiasis: 200 mg taken once only. Repeat 3 weeks later (if you need to)
In the case of cestodosis and strongyloidiasis is advised for 3 days taking albendazole at 200 mg once a day
For the remaining age groups dosages are different:
With neurocysticercosis: 15 mg /kg of body weight per day (split into 2 receptions). Treatment period up to 1 month. In case of echinococcosis the dose is the same and length of therapy three 28-day courses with two-week intervals
With enterobiasis, trichocephalosis, ascariasis and ankylostomiasis: one-time reception of 400 mg
With cestodosis, giardiasis and strongyloidiasis: 400 mg 3 days in a row
With toxocarosis: if body mass is over 60 kg one-time reception of 400 mg; if less than 60 kg — 200 mg.
Up to the age of 14 dosages is calculated as follows:
10 mg/ kg of body weight twice daily for 1- 2 weeks
What may interact with?
Cimetidine, praziquantel and dexamethasone enhance plasma levels of the metabolite albendazole, which is responsible for systemic activity of the preparation, which in turn can lead to an overdose.
System action is increased if the tablets are taken with fatty food that by 5 times increases the absorption of Albenza.
Ritonavir, phenytoin, carbamazepine and Phenobarbital could reduce plasma concentrations of the active metabolite albendazole sulfoxide. The clinical significance of this is not quite understood, but could lead to reduced efficiency, especially for treating of systemic infections. The effectiveness of the therapy must be controlled.
What should I watch for while taking Albenza?
In order to avoid reception of Albenza during early pregnancy, females of reproductive age must be treated in the first week after menstruation or after a negative pregnancy test. During therapy is required reliable contraception.
In time of Albenza treatment may reveal the presence of existing neurocysticercosis, especially in areas with high degree of infection by Tenia solium strains. The sick may encounter neurological sings such as convulsions, elevated intracranial pressure and focal symptoms due to inflammatory responses provoked by the killed parasites in the brain. Signs can appear quickly after therapy, so you should launch suitable therapy with corticosteroids and anticonvulsants at once.
Albendazole therapy is typically accompanied by weak or moderate increase in liver enzymes; this index usually gets back to normal after cessation of the remedy. Therefore, the level of liver enzymes must be checked prior to each course and at least every fortnight during therapy. If the level of liver ferments greatly increased (more than by 2 times compared to the upper limit of normal), Albenza must be discontinued. Treatment can be changed after normalization of enzymes, but the sick must be carefully controlled.
Albenza can cause bone marrow inhibition, so blood tests at the beginning of the course and every fortnight for a 28-day cycle is required.
Sick with liver ailments, including hepatic echinococcosis are more prone to bone marrow inhibition.
In the event of a significant fall in blood indexes therapy must be discontinued.
Given the presence of negative reactions, such as vertigo, is suggested to refrain from driving vehicles or operating machinery.
To successfully get rid of parasites is required a set of various measures aimed not only on the infected person but also on those who live with him in the same house. This includes medical treatment too. Additionally these measures include compliance with stringent hygiene regulations within six weeks. Always wash your hands before eating and after returning from the streets. Monitor the health of pets; visit the veterinarian as a preventive measure. Protect food from cockroaches, flies and other insects.
Albenza side effects
Admission Albenza could be accompanied by undesirable responses:
Leukopenia
Pancytopenia
Headache
Thrombocytopenia
Agranulocytosis
Dyspepsia
Increased activity of liver transaminases
Stomach ache
Vertigo
Meningeal symptoms
Pruritus
Hyperthermia
Urticaria
Alopecia (reversible)
Hypertension
Impaired renal function
Where can I keep Albenza?
It is important to ensure that factory sealed package is tightly closed, otherwise could begin an irreversible chemical reaction of oxygen and that can change the properties of the medication. Of course, it would be good if the search of needed medicines won’t take much time. That’s why access to the medicine cabinet should be comfortable. But do not forget about safety, if your family has young kids, people with poor eyesight or mental illness, as well as animals the first aid kid shouldn’t be accessible to them. Store Albenza at room temperature (15-20 C); storage term —2 years. Look for the remedy in your nearest pharmaceutical facilities (you can choose one on the suggestion of attending physician) or you might buy cheap Albenza pharmacy online.
