Albendazoledosage

Patients weighing 60 kg or greater, 400 mg twice daily; less than 60 kg, 15 mg/kg/day in divided doses twice daily (maximum total daily dose 800 mg). Albendazole tablets should be taken with food.

Hydatid disease: 28-day cycle followed by 14-day albendazole-free interval for a total of 3 cycles.

Neurocysticercosis: 8 to 30 days. See additional important information in the Full Prescribing Information. 2.1 Dosage Dosing of albendazole will vary depending upon the indication. Albendazole tablets may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water. Albendazole tablets should be taken with food.

Table 1: Albendazole Dosage Indication Patient Weight Dose Duration Hydatid Disease 60 kg or greater 400 mg twice daily, with meals 28-day cycle followed by a 14-day albendazole-free interval, for a total of 3 cycles Less than 60 kg 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg) Neurocysticercosis 60 kg or greater 400 mg twice daily, with meals 8 to 30 days Less than 60 kg 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg)

2.2 Concomitant

Medication to Avoid Adverse Reactions Patients being treated for neurocysticercosis should receive appropriate steroid and anticonvulsant therapy as required. Oral or intravenous corticosteroids should be considered to prevent cerebral hypertensive episodes during the first week of treatment.

2.3 Monitoring for

Safety Before and During Treatment Monitor blood counts at the beginning of each 28-day cycle of therapy, and every 2 weeks while on therapy with albendazole in all patients. Monitor liver enzymes (transaminases) at the beginning of each 28-day cycle of therapy, and at least every 2 weeks during treatment with albendazole in all patients. Obtain a pregnancy test in women of reproductive potential prior to therapy.