Alben-DS 400mg Chewable Tablet

Uses of Alben-DS 400

• Treats parasitic worm infections

How does Alben-DS 400 work?

Alben-DS 400 is an antiparasitic drug. It attaches to the parasite cell and causes cell disruption. It also slows their metabolism and makes it difficult for them to absorb sugar (glucose), which is required for development and replication. This depletes the parasite's energy level and promotes cell death, reducing the severity of the illness.

Side Effects of Alben-DS 400

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Hair loss or thinning of the hair
• Fever
• Low blood cell count
• Skin rash and itching
• Diarrhea

Quick Suggestions:

• You have been prescribed Alben-DS 400 to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections.
• It can be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking Alben-DS 400.
• Your doctor may monitor your blood counts and liver function before you start taking this medicine and regularly throughout your treatment.
• Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Inform your doctor if you develop signs of infection.
• Do not skip doses and finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may increase your risk of further infection.

These are some general hygiene practices that can help prevent infections caused by parasites:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, particularly after using the restroom and before eating.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, fish, and shellfish.
• Make sure that meat is cooked thoroughly before eating it.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
• Reheat or wash food that has been left out for a long time.
• Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with feces.
• Avoid foods that have been kept exposed in the markets as they can be contaminated.
• Drink boiled and purified water to ensure that it is free from any parasites or harmful microorganisms.

Indication of Alben-DS 400

Alben-DS 400 is demonstrated in single and blended pervasions of- 

• Hookworm (Ancylostoma, Necator)
• Roundworm (Ascaris)
• Threadworm (Enterobius)
• Whipworm (Trichuris)
• Strongyloides
• Tapeworm
• Opisthorchi
• Hydatid.

Pharmacology

Alben-DS is an anthelmintic drug that has a broad range of activity against parasites. Albendazole, the active ingredient, possesses vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal properties. The mechanism of action of Albendazole involves the inhibition of glucose uptake in susceptible helminths, leading to a depletion of their energy levels that ultimately leads to their death. This is achieved through the inhibition of parasite tubulin polymerization by Albendazole and its metabolites, although the drug can also bind to human tubulin. Albendazole is extensively metabolized, primarily in the liver. Although poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, it undergoes rapid first-pass metabolism. The major active metabolite, albendazole sulphoxide, has anthelmintic activity and a half-life of approximately 8.5 hours in the plasma. Albendazole and its metabolites are eliminated from the body mainly via urine.

Dosage & Administration of Alben-DS 400

• The recommended dosage of Alben-DS 400 for adults and children over 2 years old varies depending on the type of infection. For Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus infections, a single dose of 400mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) is given. For cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) is given once daily for three consecutive days. If the patient is not cured after three weeks, a second course of treatment is necessary.
• For children aged 1-2 years, a single dose of 200mg (5 ml suspension) is recommended, while the drug is not recommended for children under 1 year of age.
• In hydatid disease (echinococcosis), the recommended dose of Alben-DS 400 is 400mg twice daily with meals for 28 days for patients weighing over 60kg. For patients weighing less than 60kg, a daily dose of 15mg/kg body weight in two divided doses (up to a maximum daily dose of 800mg) is used. For cystic echinococcosis, the 28-day course may be repeated after 14 days without treatment, for a total of three treatment cycles. For alveolar echinococcosis, cycles of 28 days of treatment followed by 14 days without treatment may need to continue for months or years.
• For giardiasis, a dose of 400mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) is given once daily for five days.
• Place the tablet in your mouth and thoroughly chew it. Do not consume the medication without first chewing it.
• Your doctor will choose the appropriate amount and length of treatment for you based on your age, body weight, and the severity of the illness.
• Once your symptoms have subsided, do not discontinue taking Albendazole To achieve improved infection control, it is important to finish the entire course of therapy with Alben-DS 400 TABLET.

Interaction

It is important to inform your doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions or medications you are taking before starting treatment with Alben-DS 400. This will help your doctor to determine whether there may be any potential interactions or contraindications with other medications or medical conditions.

Alben-DS 400 may interact with other anthelmintic drugs such as praziquantel, corticosteroids like dexamethasone, antacids such as cimetidine, and anti-asthma medications like theophylline.

If you have myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression), hepatobiliary dysfunction (liver and biliary disease), neurological disorder, or kidney dysfunction, it is important to inform your doctor before taking Alben-DS 400, as these conditions may affect your ability to tolerate the medication or may require dose adjustments. Your doctor may need to monitor you more closely during treatment to ensure the medication is working effectively and to detect any potential side effects or complications.

Contraindications

Caution should be exercised in patients with impaired liver function or with a history of liver disease as albendazole is metabolized in the liver. Additionally, patients with hydatid disease or neurocysticercosis may require corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation and cerebral edema associated with the dying parasites. This should be managed by a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Albendazole falls under the US FDA Pregnancy category C, which means that animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, the use of Albendazole during pregnancy should be avoided unless the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. Albendazole is also excreted in human milk, so it should be used with caution during lactation.

Precautions & Warnings

• It is important to follow the advice of your doctor and the medication label when taking Alben-DS 400. If you are allergic to any of its contents or have a history of bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia, or agranulocytosis, you should avoid taking this medication. You should also inform your doctor of any liver disease, surgeries, or dental procedures you have had.
• During treatment with Alben-DS 400, you should be aware of any unusual symptoms and report them to your doctor immediately. These may include seizures, vomiting, headache, extreme tiredness, or behavior changes. Regular monitoring of blood cell count and liver function is advised during treatment.
• Alben-DS 400 may increase the chances of getting an infection, so it is important to maintain proper hygiene and avoid contact with people who have infections, flu, or colds. If you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, you should consult your doctor, as you may bleed or bruise easily while taking this medication.
• Alben-DS 400 should not be taken during pregnancy or while planning for pregnancy, as it may cause harm to the developing fetus. It is also not recommended to breastfeed during and for a minimum of 5 days after treatment with this medication. It may cause dizziness, so you should be cautious while driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Alben-DS 400 can be given to children above 2 years only if prescribed by a doctor. If you have any concerns or questions about the medication, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage Conditions

Keep in a dry put, absent from light and warm. Keep out of the reach of children.