Properties

Albendazole, the active ingredient of Bendax, a benzimidazole carbonate anthelmentic, is a broad spectrum vermicidal and for most helminths, an ovicidal and larvicidal. It is active against the parasite in all its stages. Although its mechanism of action is not yet completely known, it seems to act by selective degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubules of the intestinal cells thereby impairing glucose uptake and choline-esterase secretion and causing energy depletion which immobilizes and kills the parasite.

Albendazole is poorly absorbed after oral administration and it undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism to produce an active sulfoxide metabolite, which is eliminated in the urine with other minor metabolites. Albendazole sulfoxide is approximately 70% protein bound and its half-life is 8.5 hours.

Indications

Bendax is effective against a variety of intestinal nematodes, cestodes and trematodes infestations including Enterobiasis (pinworms or threadworms). Trichuriasis (whipworms). Ascariasis (large roundworms). Strongyloidiasis (small roundworms). Taeniasis (tapeworms), hookworm infections (Ancylostoma and Necator) and infestations of some species of liver flukes.

It has been designated an orphan product for use in the treatment of hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis.

Dosage

Adults and children over 2 years of age

Enterobiasis, ascariasis, trichuriasis, trichostrongyliasis and hookworm infections: 400mg as a single dose, if reinfection occurs after 3 weeks follow-up, the treatment may be repeated.
Strongyloidiasis and taeniasis: 400mg as a single dose for three days.
Hydatid disease Adults 60 kg or above: 400mg twice a day with meals for 28 days followed by 14 Albendazole-free days: up to 3 cycles may be given.
Hydatid disease Adults below 60 kg: 15mg/kg/day in divided doses twice a day with meals for the same period above; maximum total daily dose should not exceed 800mg.
Neurocysticercosis: Same dosage as in case of hydatid disease but the duration of therapy is 8-30 days.

If you missed a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
Do not take two doses at the same time.

Contraindications

Administration in patients with hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole drug class is not recommended.
In pregnancy, Albendazole is better to be avoided due to teratogenic results in laboratory animals.

Precautions

In pinworm infections, the whole family should be careful and might need to administer the medicine.
If the helminth is a hookworm or a whipworm, it is advisable to take iron supplements.
It is advised to use an effective form of birth control while taking this medicine and for at least one month after your last dose. Caution is recommended in lactating women.
Since Albendazole may cause a reduction in total white cell counts and an elevation in hepatic enzymes with prolonged use, it is recommended that blood counts and liver function tests be carried out at the beginning of each 28-day cycle of therapy, and every 2 weeks during therapy; re-treatment with Albendazole should not be initiated if significant depression in total white cell counts or elevation in liver enzymes persists.
Patients with a history of liver disease or currently have liver problems may need special care.

Overdosage

In the animals, symptoms were demonstrated in a dose response relationship and included diarrhea, vomiting. tachycardia, and respiratory distress.
In case of overdosage, symptomatic therapy (e.g.. gastric lavage and activated charcoal) and general supportive measures are recommended.

Side Effects

Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, and headache.

Drug Interactions

Co-administration of cimetidine, praziquantel, or dexamethasone with Albendazole seems to increase the risk of Albendazole side effects.

Composition

Tablets each tablet contains:

Active ingredient: 200mg Albendazole
Excipients: Starch, lactose. cross linked starch, povidone. saccharin sodium, polysorbate, cellulose, vanilla and blood orange flavours, stearic acid, magnesium stearate. aerosil, sodium lauryl sulfate, hypromellose, talc, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene glycol.

Suspension each teaspoonful (5mL) of the suspension contains:

Active ingredient: 100mg Albendazole
Excipients: Saccharin sodium. potassium sorbate, propylene glycol, xanthan gum, fruit flavour, polysorbate, citric acid, vanilla and blood orange flavours, and purified water.

Presentations

Bendax tablets: Pack of 6 tablets.
Bendax suspension: Bottle of 60 mL.
Store at a temperature of 15-25°C.

THIS IS A MEDICAMENT

Medicament is a product which affects your health. and its consumption contrary to instructions is dangerous for you.
Follow strictly the doctor’s prescription, the method of use and the instructions of the pharmacist who sold the medicament.
The doctor and the pharmacist are experts in medicines. their benefits and risks.
Do not by yourself interrupt the period of treatment prescribed for you.
Do not repeat the same prescription without consulting your doctor.
Keep all medicaments out of the reach of children.