ALZOL-400
Albendazole is a broad spectrum antihelmintic available as chewable tablets. It is a very potent benzimidazole carbamate antihelmintic used in the treatment of various intestinal worm infestations and hydatid disease.
Presentation:
Blister pack 1’x1’s
Description
Indications
Ascariasis, Trichuriasis, Strongyloidiasis, Hookworm infestations, Enterobiasis, Capillariasis, Cysticercosis and Cutaneous larva migrans and Hydatid disease
Pharmacological Class
Antihelmintic
Pharmacological Properties
Antihelmintic
Mechanism of Action
The principal mode of action for albendazole is by its inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization which results in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal disturbances, headache and dizziness have been reported during treatment.
These symptoms are usually mild and resolve without treatment. Rash, fever and rarely alopecia may occur during treatment.
Contraindications
Albendazole is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
Albendazole has been shown to induce liver enzymes of the cytochrome P-450 system
responsible for its own metabolism. There is, therefore, a theoretical risk of interaction with
theophylline, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives and oral hypoglycaemic.
Care should therefore be exercised during the introduction of Albendazole in patients receiving the above groups of compounds.
