Bendex Suspension

Uses of Bendex Suspension

Albendazole is an anthelmintic (an-thel-MIN-tik) or anti- worm medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body. Albendazole is used to treat certain infections caused by worms such as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm.

Side Effects of Bendex Suspension

Headache, increased intracranial pressure, dizziness, fever, vertigo, meningeal signs, alopecia, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, hypersensitivity reactions including rash and urticaria, elevations of hepatic enzymes, hepatitis, acute liver failure, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, acute renal failure. Potentially Fatal: Bone marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia, aplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis and leucopenia.

Drug Interactions

Increased serum concentrations w/ dexamethasone, praziquantel and cimetidine. Decreased serum concentrations w/ aminoquinoline (antimalarials), carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.

Mechanism of Action

Albendazole sulfoxide (active metabolite), causes selective degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubules in intestinal and tegmental cells of intestinal helminths and larvae; glycogen is depleted, glucose uptake and cholinesterase secretion are impaired and desecratory substances accumulate intracellulary. ATP production decreases, causing energy depletion, immobilisation and worm death. Absorption: Poorly absorbed from the GI tract. Absorption may be enhanced by a fatty meal. Time to peak plasma concentration: 2-5 hr. Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body including the bile and CSF. Plasma protein binding: Approx 70%. Metabolism: Undergoes extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism; converted to albendazole sulfoxide. Excretion: Mainly via the bile, and small amounts in urine. Plasma half-life: Approx 8.5 hr.

Special Precautions

Patient w/ retinal lesions. Patient treated for neurocysticercosis should receive appropriate steroid and anticonvulsant therapy as required. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor faecal specimens for ova and parasites for 3 wk after treatment; LFTs and CBC w/ differential; ophth exam (patients w/ neurocysticercosis).

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

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This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before use.