Echinococcosis

Active Ingredient: Albendazole

Indication for Albendazole

Population group: only adults (18 years old or older)

The long term use of albendazole is indicated for the treatment of hydatid cysts caused by E. granulosus in adults and children over 6 years of age, where surgical intervention is not feasible because of anatomic site or the presence of multiple cysts.

Albendazole shows greatest efficacy in the treatment of liver, lung and peritoneal cysts. Experience with bone cysts or those in the heart or central nervous system is limited, but cases of successful treatment with a prolonged course of albendazole have been reported.

Albendazole may also be used as an adjunct to surgical excision of hydatid cysts either:

  • prior to surgical intervention, or
  • post-operatively, if pre-operative treatment was too short (less than two separate

28-day cycles) or if viable cysts are found at surgery.

For this indication, competent medicine agencies globally authorize below treatments:

15mg/kg/day in divided doses

Route of admnistration

Oral

Defined daily dose

15 - 15 mg per kg of body weight

Dosage regimen

From 7.5 To 7.5 mg per kg of body weight 2 time(s) per day every day for 28 day(s)

Detailed description

For patients weighing less than 60 kg the dose is 15mg/kg/day in divided doses according to the dosage schedule listed above.

Inoperable and Multiple Cysts

Up to three 28-day cycles of albendazole treatment may be given. If there is no evidence of treatment efficacy (shrinkage or disappearance of cyst(s), alteration in Xray appearance or ultrasound/CT scan density or membrane separation) in sites such as liver, lung or peritoneum within three cycles, further treatment is unlikely to produce a response. More prolonged treatment may be required for sites such as bone or brain.

Preoperatively

Two 28-day cycles should be given prior to surgery. Where surgical intervention is necessary before completion of two cycles, albendazole should be given for as long as possible, but for not more than 28 days per cycle.

Peri and Post Surgery

Where only a short pre-operative course has been given (less than 14 days), and in cases where emergency surgery is required, albendazole should be given postoperatively for two 28-day cycles separated by 14 drug free days.

Additionally where cysts are found to be viable following pre-surgical treatment, a full two cycle course should be given.

Dosage considerations

Should be taken with meal.

800 mg, given in divided doses of 400 mg twice daily

Route of admnistration

Oral

Defined daily dose

800 - 800 mg

Dosage regimen

From 400 To 400 mg 2 time(s) per day every day for 28 day(s)

Detailed description

ฮ‘lbendazole is administered orally at a total daily dose of 800 mg, given in divided doses of 400 mg twice daily, taken with meals, for a total of 28 days. This 28-day treatment period may be repeated after a 14-day drug free period for a total of three cycles.

Inoperable and Multiple Cysts

Up to three 28-day cycles of albendazole treatment may be given. If there is no evidence of treatment efficacy (shrinkage or disappearance of cyst(s), alteration in Xray appearance or ultrasound/CT scan density or membrane separation) in sites such as liver, lung or peritoneum within three cycles, further treatment is unlikely to produce a response. More prolonged treatment may be required for sites such as bone or brain.

Preoperatively

Two 28-day cycles should be given prior to surgery. Where surgical intervention is necessary before completion of two cycles, albendazole should be given for as long as possible, but for not more than 28 days per cycle.

Peri and Post Surgery

Where only a short pre-operative course has been given (less than 14 days), and in cases where emergency surgery is required, albendazole should be given postoperatively for two 28-day cycles separated by 14 drug free days.

Additionally where cysts are found to be viable following pre-surgical treatment, a full two cycle course should be given.

Dosage considerations

Taken with meals.

Active ingredient

Albendazole

Albendazole causes degenerative alterations in the tegument and intestinal cells of the worm by binding to the colchicine-sensitive site of tubulin, thus inhibiting its polymerization or assembly into microtubules.

Read more about Albendazole

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