ABZ Suspension contains Albendazole which is a broad spectrum anthelmintic and antiprotozoal medicine that belongs to the benzimidazole class. It is commonly used to treat multiple intestinal parasite infections, such as ascariasis, pinworm, hookworm and whipworm infections, trichuriasis, strongyloidiasis, taeniasis, clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, giardiasis, and gnathostomiasis.
Dose
Pinworm,whipworm,hookworm and ascaris lumbricides infections:
Children upto 2yrs: 200mg as a single dose (tablet or suspension).
Adults and children above 2yrs: 400mg as a single dose (tablet or suspension).
Strongyloidiasis, hymenolepiasis and intestinal taeniasis:
Children over 2 years and adults: a daily dose of 400 mg (tablets or suspension) for 3 days. It is advisable to repeat the treatment after 10 or 21 days, given the life cycle of intestinal parasites.
Opisthorchiasis and Clonorchiasis:
Adults and children over 2 years of age, 400 mg (tablets or suspension) 2 times daily for 3 days. Like many infestations are mixed and often include Opisthorchis viverrini and Chlonorchis sinensis, this dose is considered sufficient.
Cutaneous larva migrans:
Children over 2 years and adults: a daily dose of 400 mg (tablets or suspension) for 1-3 days.
Giardiasis:
Children over 2 years and adults: a daily dose of 400 mg (tablets or suspension) for 5 days.
Gnathostomiasis:
Children over 2 years and adults: a daily dose of 400 mg (tablets or suspension) for 14 days.
Cystic echinococcosis:
Patient weighing 60kg or more: 400mg Twice daily for 28 days.
Below 60kg: 15mg/kg/day(given in 2 divided doses) for 28 days.
Treatment is repeated 3 times after 14 days drug holiday.
Neurocysticercosis(active lesions caused by larva forms of the pork tapeworm,Taenia solium):
Patient weighing 60kg or more 400mg Twice daily for 8-30 days.
Patient below 60kg: 15mg/kg/day(given in 2 divided doses) for 8-30 days.
Precautions
Hypersensitivity to benzimidazole class of drugs.Common side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort,headache,dizziness,dry mouth,pruritis and nausea.
