Albendazole

Brand Names: Albenza, Alworm,

Andazol, Eskazole, Noworm, Zentel,
Alben-G, ABZ, Cidazole etc.

Albendazole
Treating certain tapeworm infections.
It works by killing sensitive parasites.
marketed asAlbenzaamong others, is medication used for
the treatment of a variety ofparasitic worminfestations. It
is useful forgiardiasis,trichuriasis,filariasis,
neurocysticercosis,hydatid disease,pinworm disease, and
ascariasis, among others. It is taken by mouth.
patented in 1975, was invented by Robert J. Gyurik and
Vassilios J. Theodorides and assigned to SmithKline
Corporation
It is the only anthelmintic drug active against all stages of
the helminth life cycle (ova, larvae, and adult worms).

Mechanism of Action
As a vermicidal, albendazole causes degenerative
alterations in the intestinal cells of the worm by binding to
thecolchicine thus inhibiting its polymerization or assembly
intomicrotubules. The loss of the cytoplasmic microtubules
leads to impaired uptake of glucose by the larval and adult
stages of the susceptible parasites, and depletes their
glycogenstores. Degenerative changes occur in the
endoplasmic reticulum, themitochondriaof the germinal
layer, and the subsequent release of lysosome.

Therapeutic Use:
albendazole is being used to treat
lymphatic filariasisas part of efforts to stop
transmissionof thedisease.
used in conjunction withivermectin, and
elsewhere in the world, themedicineis used in
combination withdiethylcarbamazine.
Albendazole ultimately causes decreased ATP
production in the helminths, resulting in energy
depletion, which kills the worms.

Preparation:

Dosage
Give with meals. Absorption is significantly
increased with a fatty meal.
Do not exceed maximum total daily dose of 800
mg.
Store at 2025 C (6877 F).

Side Effects

Less common: Fever

Rare: Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
chest pain
chills
cough
painful or difficult urination
pinpoint red spots on the skin
shortness of breath
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swollen glands

Adverse Reaction
Body as a Whole:Hypersensitivity reactions.
CNS: Headache, dizziness, vertigo, increased
intracranial pressure, meningeal signs, alopecia
(reversible), fever.
GI: Abnormal liver function tests,abdominal pain,
nausea, vomiting.
Hematologic: (Rare) Reversible leukopenia,
granulocytopenia, pancytopenia,agranulocytosis.
Skin: Rash, urticaria.

Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole class of
compounds or any components of albendazole;
pregnancy (category C).

Nsg Consideration
Lab tests: Monitor WBC count, absolute neutrophil
count, and liver function tests at start of each 28d cycle and q2wk during cycle.
Withhold drug and notify physician if WBC count
falls below normal or liver enzymes are elevated.
Note: Patients should be concurrently treated with
appropriate steroid and anticonvulsant therapy.