Ben A 400mg Tablet 1pc

Ben-A is used for the treatment of single and mixed infestations, including:

• Hookworm (Ancylostoma, Necator)
• Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides)
• Threadworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
• Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)
• Strongyloidiasis (Strongyloides stercoralis)
• Tapeworm infections
• Opisthorchiasis
• Hydatid disease (Echinococcosis)

Description:

Ben-A is a benzimidazole anthelmintic effective against various nematodes and some cestodes. It is primarily used for intestinal worm infections and higher doses are prescribed for hydatid disease.

• It has vermicide, ovicidal, and larvicidal properties.
• It works by inhibiting tubulin polymerization, leading to the disruption of cytoplasmic microtubules, which are essential for parasite survival.

Pharmacology:

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic with activity against worms at multiple stages of development.

• It works by blocking glucose uptake in parasites, causing energy depletion and eventual immobilization.
• The drug undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver and has a primary metabolite, albendazole sulphoxide, which has anthelmintic properties.
• The plasma half-life of albendazole sulphoxide is approximately 8.5 hours.
• It is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is primarily excreted in the urine.

Dosage & Administration:

For Adults & Children Over 2 Years:

• Single-dose treatment (for Enterobius, Trichuris, Ascaris, Ancylostoma, Necator): 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension).
• For Strongyloidiasis or Taeniasis: 400 mg daily for 3 consecutive days. If not cured, a second course is recommended after 3 weeks.
• Children (1-2 years old): Single dose of 200 mg (5 ml suspension).
• Children under 1 year: Not recommended.

For Hydatid Disease (Echinococcosis):

• Adults over 60 kg: 400 mg twice daily for 28 days.
• Patients under 60 kg: 15 mg/kg daily in two divided doses (maximum daily dose: 800 mg).
• Cystic Echinococcosis: The 28-day course may be repeated after 14 days without treatment, for up to 3 cycles.
• Alveolar Echinococcosis: Treatment cycles (28 days on, 14 days off) may continue for months or years.

For Giardiasis:

• 400 mg once daily for 5 days.

Drug Interactions:

• No known pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interactions have been reported.

Contraindications:

• Not recommended for neonates.
• Dose adjustment may be needed in children under 10 kg.
• Pregnancy: Should not be used in pregnant women or those suspected to be pregnant.
• Concurrent diseases: No need for dosage adjustment in renal, hepatic, or cardiac failure.

Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
• Neurological symptoms: Headache, dizziness.
• Liver function changes: Altered enzyme levels.
• Rare effects: Reversible hair loss, skin rash, fever, blood disorders (leucopenia, pancytopenia).
• Serious reactions: Allergic shock if cyst leakage occurs, convulsions in cerebral disease.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Pregnancy Category C (US FDA) – Should be avoided during pregnancy, unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Lactation: Use with caution.

Precautions & Warnings:

• Regular blood count and liver function tests are required before and during treatment cycles.
• Ensure pregnancy exclusion before starting treatment.
• Should be monitored under medical supervision for echinococcosis.

Therapeutic Class:

• Anthelmintic

Storage Instructions:

• Store in a dry place, away from light and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.