Active Ingredient: Albendazole
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:
For this indication, competent medicine agencies globally authorize below treatments:
Oral
15 - 15 mg per kg of body weight
From 7.5 To 7.5 mg per kg of body weight 2 time(s) per day every day for 28 day(s)
There has been no experience to date with the use of albendazole in hydatid disease in children under six years of age, therefore, usage for this indication in children younger than six years is not recommended.
The recommended dose for children 6 years of age and over is 15mg/kg/day given in divided doses according to the dosage schedule listed above.
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.
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.
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.
Should be taken with meal.
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