Product Information
Registration Status: ActiveZENTEL TABLET 400MG is approved to be sold in Singapore with effective from 2011-10-18. It is marketed by GLAXOSMITHKLINE PTE LTD, with the registration number of SIN14030P.
This product contains Albendazole 400mg/tablet in the form of TABLET, CHEWABLE. It is approved for ORAL use.
This product is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline South Africa (Pty) LTD in SOUTH AFRICA.
It is a Pharmacy Only Medicine that can be obtained from a pharmacist at a retail pharmacy.
Description
A benzimidazole broad-spectrum anthelmintic structurally related to mebendazole that is effective against many diseases. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p38)
Indication
For the treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium and for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus.
Mechanism of Action
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. The loss of the cytoplasmic microtubules leads to impaired uptake of glucose by the larval and adult stages of the susceptible parasites, and depletes their glycogen stores. Degenerative changes in the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria of the germinal layer, and the subsequent release of lysosomes result in decreased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy required for the survival of the helminth. Due to diminished energy production, the parasite is immobilized and eventually dies.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract due to its low aqueous solubility. Oral bioavailability appears to be enhanced when coadministered with a fatty meal (estimated fat content 40 g)
- Distribution
- Metabolism
- Hepatic. Rapidly converted in the liver to the primary metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, which is further metabolized to albendazole sulfone and other primary oxidative metabolites that have been identified in human urine.
- Elimination
Toxicity
Symptoms of overdose include elevated liver enzymes, headaches, hair loss, low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia), fever, and itching.
Active Ingredient/Synonyms
(5-(propylthio)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)carbamic acid methyl ester | 5-(propylthio)-2-carbomethoxyaminobenzimidazole | Albendazol | Albendazole | Albendazolum | Eskazole | O-methyl N-(5-(propylthio)-2-benzimidazolyl)carbamate | Proftril | Albendazole |
Source of information: Drugbank (External Link). Last updated on: 3rd July 18. *Trade Name used in the content below may not be the same as the HSA-registered product.