Medical Grade Albendazole Tablets, Color : White

Albendazole is a medication used to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihelminthics and works by preventing the worms from absorbing sugar (glucose), which depletes their energy and ultimately kills them.

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum antihelminthic, meaning it is effective against many types of parasites. It is commonly prescribed for:

• Neurocysticercosis: An infection caused by the pork tapeworm that affects the nervous system, including the brain.

• Cystic hydatid disease: An infection caused by the dog tapeworm, which can form cysts in the liver, lungs, and other organs.

• Intestinal worm infections: This includes infections caused by roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, whipworms, and threadworms.

• Other parasitic infections like giardiasis and cutaneous larva migrans.

Albendazole's active form, albendazole sulfoxide, binds to a protein called beta-tubulin in the worm's cells. This binding inhibits the formation of microtubules, which are essential for the worm's cellular structure and function. As a result, the worm cannot absorb glucose, leading to a loss of energy and eventual death.

Dosage and duration of treatment vary greatly depending on the type of infection, the patient's weight, and their age. It is crucial to follow a doctor's prescription precisely and complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve. For systemic infections like neurocysticercosis, treatment can last for several weeks, while for some intestinal infections, a single dose may be sufficient. Albendazole is usually taken with food to improve its absorption.

Common side effects of albendazole can include:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Reversible hair loss

• Abnormal liver function tests

More serious side effects are rare but can occur, especially with long-term, high-dose therapy. These may include bone marrow suppression (leading to a low count of white blood cells and platelets), liver damage, or severe skin reactions. If you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, signs of infection (fever, chills), or yellowing of the skin or eyes, contact a doctor immediately.

Albendazole is not suitable for everyone. It is generally contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazole compounds.

Other important precautions include:

• Pregnancy: Albendazole may cause fetal harm and is generally avoided during the first trimester. Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during and for a few days after treatment.

• Liver disease: Patients with liver disease should use caution, as albendazole can affect liver enzymes. Regular monitoring of liver function is often required during treatment.

• Bone marrow suppression: Blood counts should be monitored regularly during therapy, especially for those with a history of liver disease, as there is a risk of bone marrow suppression.

• Ocular cysticercosis: If the parasite infection involves the eye, a doctor must carefully weigh the risks, as the death of the parasite could lead to retinal damage.