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Albendazole
Albendazole (Albenza)
Albendazole
(al-BEN-dah-zohl)
Pregnancy Category: C Albenza (Rx)

Classification: Anthelmintic

See Also: See also Anthelmintics.

Action/Kinetics: Acts by inhibiting tubular polymerization, resulting in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules and inability of the cell to function. Poorly absorbed from the GI tract; enhance absorption by ingesting a meal containing at least 40 g of fat. Rapidly converted to albendazole sulfoxide, the active metabolite. Peak plasma levels, sulfoxide: 2-5 hr. t1/2, terminal, of sulfoxide: 8-12 hr. Further metabolized to other metabolites with excretion through the bile, accounting for a portion of elimination.

Uses: Treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to Taenia solium. Treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to benzimidazole compounds.

Special Concerns: Use with caution during lactation. Clients should not become pregnant for at least 1 month following termination of albendazole therapy.

Side Effects: GI: N&V;, abdominal pain. CNS: Headache, dizziness, vertigo, increased ICP, meningeal signs. Hematologic: Leukopenia, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia (rare). Dermatologic: Reversible alopecia, rash, urticaria. Miscellaneous: Fever, allergic reactions, acute renal failure.

Drug Interactions: Cimetidine / Levels of albendazole sulfoxide in bile and cystic fluid in hydatid cyst clients Dexamethasone / Possible plasma levels of albendazole sulfoxide Praziquantel / Plasma levels of albendazole sulfoxide

How Supplied: Tablet: 200 mg

Dosage
•Tablets Hydatid disease.
Those weighing 60 kg or more: 400 mg b.i.d. with meals for a 28-day cycle followed by a 14-day albendazole-free interval, for a total of three cycles. Those weighing less than 60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses b.i.d. with meals, up to a maximum of 800 mg/day, using the same duration as for those weighing 60 kg or more.
Neurocysticercosis.
Those weighing 60 kg or more: 400 mg b.i.d. with meals for 8 to 30 days. Those weighing less than 60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses b.i.d. with meals, up to a maximum dose of 800 mg/day, for 8 to 30 days.