Albendazole Tablet 400mg

Albendazole 400 mg is a medication for killing parasites that is used in the treatment of parasitic infections caused by tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. The medicine works by inhibiting the parasites’ ability to metabolize glucose, leading to energy depletion and eventual death of the parasite.

Key Features

How Does Albendazole 400 mg Work?

 Albendazole inhibits microtubule formation in parasites, which slows down their glucose uptake and finally kills them. This mode of action allows it to be effective against parasitic infections such as neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease.

 Albendazole 400 mg acts by:

• Interference of glucose uptake: Albendazole suppresses the uptake of glucose by the parasites, resulting in depletion of energy.
• Disrupting formation of microtubules: Albendazole binds to tubulin, disturbing formation and function of microtubules in parasites.
• Eventually killing parasites: The synergy between energy depletion and impaired microtubule function results in parasite death.

Uses

• Neurocysticercosis: nervous system infection due to pork tapeworm.
• Hydatid disease: dog tapeworm infection of the liver, lung, and peritoneum.
• Intestinal worm infections: roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
• Cysticercosis: parasitic infection due to pork tapeworm.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Dizziness

Serious (Rare) Side Effects:

• Elevated liver enzymes
• Hepatitis
• Bone marrow suppression (low white blood cell count)
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
• Vision changes (in cases of neurocysticercosis)

Interaction

• Dexamethasone: Can raise the concentration of albendazole sulfoxide, possibly enhancing the risk of side effects.
• Praziquantel: Can raise the concentration of albendazole sulfoxide, possibly enhancing the risk of side effects.
• Cimetidine: Can increase albendazole concentration, possibly enhancing the risk of side effects.
• Theophylline: Albendazole can decrease theophylline clearance, possibly leading to elevated theophylline levels.
• Grapefruit: Can interact with albendazole, possibly enhancing the risk of side effects.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Albendazole is not well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but is increased when given with a fatty meal.
• Metabolism: It undergoes hepatic metabolism to its active metabolite albendazole sulfoxide.
• Distribution: Albendazole and its metabolites are distributed to the body tissues, including cerebrospinal fluid.
• Excretion: This medication and its metabolites are excreted in the urine and bile.

Clinical Trials of Albendazole

Albendazole is an antiparasitic drug that has been clinically tested in many clinical trials for its efficacy in the treatment of various parasitic infections. Some of the most significant trials are as follows:

• Toxocariasis Treatment: A phase 3 trial was carried out in Argentina to check the efficacy of albendazole in the treatment of asymptomatic toxocariasis in children. The trial concluded that albendazole decreased eosinophil count among patients.
• Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst Resection: A continuing trial in Egypt is exploring the value of adjuvant albendazole following pulmonary hydatid cyst resection to prevent recurrence.
• Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis: Trials have been done in Ghana, Malawi, and Côte d’Ivoire to assess the efficacy of albendazole in association with other drugs for the treatment of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
• Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections: Research has been carried out in nations such as Ethiopia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Brazil to assess the effectiveness of albendazole for the treatment of soil-transmitted helminth infections

Precautions

• Pregnancy and lactation: Before using such medication during pregnancy consult a doctor.
• Liver disease: Patients with liver disease must be closely monitored while having such medications.
• Kidney disease: Patients with kidney disease must be closely monitored while taking such medicines.
• Bone marrow suppression: Albendazole can lead to bone marrow suppression, and regular monitoring of the blood cell counts should be done.

Conclusion

Albendazole 400 mg is a potent antiparasitic drug for treating various parasitic diseases. Nonetheless, one should adhere to the prescribed dosage and consider possible side effects and interactions. See a physician prior to taking Albendazole, particularly in case you have medical conditions, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

FAQs

• What is Albendazole use for?
  

  Albendazole 400 mg is a medication for killing parasites that is utilized in the treatment of parasitic infections due to tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

• How does Albendazole work?
  

  Albendazole inhibits microtubule formation in parasites, which slows down their glucose uptake and finally kills them.

• What can be the possible side effects?
  

  The possible side effects can be Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, abdominal pain, Dizziness, headache.

• Is this medication safe for everyone?
  

  Yes, this medicine is generally safe for everyone but it is recommended to use after consulting your doctor.

• Does this medication show any interaction?
  

  Yes, this medication shows interaction with dexamethasone, praziquantel, and grapefruit etc.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553082/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11386684/