Mode of action 
Albendazole exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal and larvicidal activity. It exhibits colchicine binding by tubilin and is supposed to block glucose uptake in susceptible helminths. Thus the helminths die of starvation. 
Indication 
Aldes-DS (Albendazole) can be effectively used against hookworm, roundworm, threadworm, whipworm, strongyloides, tapeworm, hydatid disease, systemic nematodes and giardiasis. 
Dosage and administration 
Adults or children over 2 years of age: 
A single dose of 400 mg (1 Aldes-DS Tablet or 10 ml Aldes Suspension) in cases of Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichuria, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. 
In cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg as a single dose should be given for 3 consecutive days. 
If the patient is not cured on follow-up after three weeks, a second course of treatment is indicated. No specific procedures such as fasting or purging are required. 
Children under 2 years of age: 
Not recommended. 
Hydatid disease: 
For Echinococcus granulosus, adult over 60 kg, medical treatment, 800 mg daily in divided doses for 28 days followed by 14 dosage-free days; up to 3 cycles of treatment may be given. 
Adjunct in surgical treatment, pre-surgery, 800 mg daily in divided doses for 28 days followed by 14 dosage-free days, repeat cycle once before surgery; post-surgery ( if viable cysts after pre-surgery treatment, or if no pre-surgery treatment, or if only short pre-surgery course), 800 mg daily in divided doses for 28 days followed by 14 dosage-free days, repeat cycle once, Echinococ-cus multilocularis, adult over 60 kg, 800 mg daily in divided doses for 28 days followed by 14 dosage-free days; prolonged treatment may be required. 
Side effects 
Adverse effects include epigastric pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, pruritus and dryness of mouth. 
Precaution 
In case of prolonged treatment, liver function should be checked. For women of child bearing age (15-45 years), Albendazole should be administered within 7 days of the start of normal menstruation. 
Contraindication 
Its use is contraindicated in pregnant women or those likely to be pregnant. 
Use in pregnancy and lactation 
The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy. There is no information available concerning the secretion of Albendazole in breast milk and it should not be used in lactation. 
Pharmaceutical precaution 
Store in a cool below 250 C, dry place and protect from light. Keep out of reach of children. 
Packing 
Aldes-DS Tablet: Box containing 50 x 2 / 50 x 1/ 25 x 1 tablets in blister pack. 
Aldes Suspension: Amber glass bottle containing 10 ml suspension.