Albendazole Tablets 200mg: Effective Treatment for Intestinal & Systemic Helminth Infections
Albendazole 200mg tablets are a highly effective medication for treating a wide range of intestinal and systemic helminth (worm) infections. This comprehensive guide provides information on its uses, dosage, precautions, and potential side effects.
Indications for Use:
Intestinal Infections:
- Nematodoses: Ascariasis, enterobiasis, trichuriasis, ankylostomiasis, necatoriasis, strongyloidiasis.
- Trematodosis: Opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis.
- Giardiasis: In children aged 2-12 years.
- Cestodoses: Taeniasis (Taenia solium, Taenia saginata), hymenolepiasis
Systemic Helminthiases:
- Echinococcosis: Albendazole is particularly effective for treating cysts in the liver, lungs, and peritoneum.
- Cystic echinococcosis (caused by Echinococcus granulosus): Used for inoperable cases, pre-operative treatment, post-operative management, and after percutaneous cyst drainage.
- Alveolar echinococcosis (caused by Echinococcus multilocularis): Treatment for inoperable disease, post-palliative surgery, and after radical surgery or liver transplantation.
- Neurocysticercosis: Used for patients with solitary or multiple brain cysts, arachnoid or intraventricular cysts, and grape-shaped cysts.
Dosage and Administration:
- Oral administration: Taken during meals, preferably at the same time each day.
- Dosage varies depending on the type of infection: See detailed dosage information below.
- For patients unable to swallow tablets whole: Crush the tablet and mix it with a small amount of water.
Dosage Information:
Intestinal Infections:
Infection | Age | Dosage | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Enterobiasis, hookworm, necatoriasis, ascariasis, trichuriasis | Adults & children > 2 years (>10 kg) | 400mg once daily | Single dose |
Children 1-2 years (>10 kg) | 200mg once daily | Single dose | |
Strongyloidiasis, taeniasis, hymenolepiasis | Adults & children > 2 years (>10 kg) | 400mg once daily | 3 days (repeat after 2-3 weeks for hymenolepiasis) |
Clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis | Adults & children > 2 years (>10 kg) | 400mg twice daily | 3 days |
Larva Migrans skin syndrome | Adults & children > 2 years (>10 kg) | 400mg once daily | 1-3 days |
Giardiasis | Children 2-12 years | 400mg once daily | 5 days |
Systemic Helminthiases:
Infection | Duration |
---|---|
Cystic echinococcosis | 28 days (repeat for inoperable cases, pre-operative treatment, and post-operative management) |
Alveolar echinococcosis | 28 days (repeat after 2 weeks) |
Neurocysticercosis | 7-31 days (repeat after 2 weeks) |
Precautions:
- Liver Function: Monitor liver enzymes before each treatment cycle and every two weeks during treatment. Discontinue albendazole if liver enzyme levels increase by two times or more.
- Bone Marrow Suppression: Monitor blood counts before and every two weeks during treatment.
- Neurocysticercosis: Patients may experience neurological symptoms due to an inflammatory response. Start corticosteroid and anticonvulsant therapy immediately if these symptoms occur.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Albendazole is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should receive a negative pregnancy test before treatment. It is not known if albendazole is secreted in breast milk, so it should not be used during breastfeeding.
- Other Precautions: Consult a doctor before taking albendazole if you have any pre-existing conditions, such as liver disease or impaired renal function.
Possible Side Effects:
Common:
Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
Uncommon:
Increased liver enzymes, rash, itching, urticaria, alopecia (hair thinning).
Rare:
Pancytopenia, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Overdose:
There is no specific antidote. Symptoms are not described. Seek immediate medical attention if suspected overdose occurs.
Storage:
Store in a dry, cool, and dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
Buy Albendazole Tablets 200mg Online:
[Link to trusted online pharmacy]Note: This is a sample guide. Please consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, treatment, and dosage recommendations. **Self-treating can be dangerous. Always follow your doctor’s advice and instructions.**