Back to Medicine Index

Alben DS 400 mg

Tablet

Generic: Albendazole

Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Therapeutic Class: Anthelmintic

Indications

Infections with roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, threadworm (pinworm), Strongyloides and tapeworm. Also used in hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis under specialist supervision.

Pharmacology

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic. It binds to the tubulin of the parasite, blocks its uptake of glucose and depletes its energy stores, which kills the worms, larvae and eggs.

Dosage & Administration

Adult and child over 2 years: 400 mg as a single dose. Child 1 to 2 years: 200 mg as a single dose. Strongyloides and tapeworm: 400 mg once daily for 3 consecutive days. The tablet may be chewed, swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with food.

Side Effects

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness. With prolonged high-dose treatment: raised liver enzymes, hair loss and low blood cell counts.

Precautions & Warnings

Exclude pregnancy before treatment in women of child-bearing age and avoid pregnancy for 1 month after treatment. Monitor liver function and blood counts during prolonged treatment. Use with caution in liver impairment.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazoles. Pregnancy. Children under 1 year.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.

Other brands of the same generic