Albenza or generic Albendazole is an anthelmintic used to treat neurocysticercosis, a parasitic disease of your central nervous system that is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy in such areas as Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. This is due to poor hygiene practices as pigs are allowed to roam free and eat human feces and they carry Taenia solium, a tapeworm. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.
If pork is eaten raw or undercooked, the T. solium larvae are ingested and they find their way into muscles and tissue, including your brain where they form cysts. If they get into the brain, it is called neurocysticercosis. Although neurocysticercosis is also found in the USA and other developed countries, it is not considered endemic.
When taken as directed, Albenza works to block a certain enzyme that will interfere with the parasites’ ability to metabolize glucose (sugar) properly so they become drained of energy and are immobilized with death as the end result. Depending on where the cysts are and how responsive patients are to Albenza or other antiparasitic drugs, you may be required to undergo surgery to have cysts removed, especially if your brain is affected.
USES
Albenza is an anthelmintic drug with a broad spectrum of antiprotozoal activity. Antiparasitic drug Albenza is prescribed to adults and pediatric patients (6 years and older) for the treatment of:
– Cystic hydatid disease of the lung, peritoneum, and liver, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm.
– Parenchymal neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval forms of the pork tapeworm, including Taenia solium.
DESCRIPTION
Albenza exerts a powerful anthelmintic effect, breaks and inhibits the process of reproduction and development of the helminth larvae. The dose and duration of Albenza use should be set individually, depending on the patient’s body weight and the invasive infection type.
PACKAGING & DOSAGE
Albenza daily dose for adults, weighing 60 kg or above is 400mg. The dose of Albenza antiparasitic drug for patients, weighing less than 60kg, and for children of 6 years and older is 15 mg per 1 kg of body weight.
The maximum daily dose of Albenza for adults is 800mg. The total daily dose of Albenza is recommended to be divided into 2 equal portions and taken with main meals.
STORAGE
Store below 30°C (86°F). Keep away from children and pet animals.