Alford
Alford Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Alford is a member of the Benzimidazole group of anthelmintic agents which is an ideal broad spectrum anthelmintic. Alford inhibits polymerization of tubulin causes loss of cytoplasmic microtubules that leads to impaired uptake of glucose, depletes glycogen stores, degenerative change in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria & decrease production of ATP. It also inhibits the enzyme fumarate reductase which is a co-enzyme in many cellular oxidation-reduction reactions result no energy production and immobilization and death of parasites.
Alford is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic. The principal mode of action for albendazole is by its inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization which results in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.
Trade Name | Alford |
Availability | Prescription only |
Generic | Albendazole |
Albendazole Other Names | Albendazol, Albendazole, Albendazolum, Eskazole, Proftril |
Related Drugs | doxycycline, metronidazole, vancomycin, ivermectin, Flagyl, itraconazole, mebendazole, Vibramycin, tinidazole, nitazoxanide |
Type | Tablet |
Formula | C12H15N3O2S |
Weight | Average: 265.331 Monoisotopic: 265.088497429 |
Protein binding | 70% bound to plasma protein |
Groups | Approved, Vet approved |
Therapeutic Class | Anti-helminthic |
Manufacturer | Blubell Pharma |
Available Country | India |
Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Alfordis used as anthelmintic against most nematodes and cestodes. It is effective against these gastro-intestinal parasites Bunostomum, Chabertia, Cooperia, Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Nematodirus, Strongyloides, Dictyocaulusviviparus, Monieziaexpansa, Liver flukes and Paramphistomes. It is also effective against different types of worms, lung flukes and lung nematodes.
Alford is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Ascariasis, Hookworm Infection, Hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, Neurocysticercosis caused by Taenia solium, Other specified protozoal diseases
How Alford works
Alford causes degenerative alterations in the tegument and intestinal cells of the worm by diminishing its energy production, ultimately leading to immobilization and death of the parasite. It works by binding to the colchicine-sensitive site of tubulin, thus inhibiting its polymerization or assembly into microtubules. As cytoplasmic microtubules are critical in promoting glucose uptake in larval and adult stages of the susceptible parasites, the glycogen stores of the parasites are depleted. 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.
Dosage
Alford dosage
To keep animal free from helminths animal should be treated at 3 months interval.
Cattle & Buffalo: 7.5-10 mg/kg body weight or 14 bolus for 30-40 kg body weight, 12 bolus for 60-80 kg body weight & 1 boli for 120-160 kg body weight.
Goat & Sheep: 5-7.5 mg/kg body weight or 112 bolus for 13-20 kg body weight & 1 6 bolus for 27-40 kg body weight.
Dog & Cat: 15 mg/kg body weight or 18 bolus for 8-10 kg body weight & 14 bolus for 16-20 kg body weight.
Or as directed by the registered Veterinarian.
Side Effects
Alford is time tested and clinically proven well tolerated drug. Established wide safety margin than any other anthelmentic due to greater selective affinity for parasitic b-tubulin than for animal tissues. However, in some cases nausea and vomiting may occur.
Toxicity
Symptoms of overdose include elevated liver enzymes, headaches, hair loss, low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia), fever, and itching.
Precaution
Before using Alford inform the registered Veterinarian that your animals are not allergic to it; or to other benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs (e.g. Mebendazole).
Interaction
Alford has been shown to induce liver enzymes of the cytochrome P-450 system responsible for its own metabolism. There is, therefore, a theoretical risk of interaction with theophylline, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives and oral hypoglycaemics. Care should therefore be exercised during the introduction of Alford in patients receiving the above groups of compounds
Food Interaction
- Take with a high fat meal. A high fat meal increases solubility and absorption. Take with food when treating systemic infections.
[Moderate] ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food enhances the oral bioavailability of albendazole, which is rapidly converted by hepatocytes and intestinal mucosal cells into the active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSX), following absorption.
The proposed mechanism is stimulation of gastric acid secretion, as the absorption of albendazole is thought to be pH-dependent.
According to the product labeling, plasma concentrations of ABZSX are up to 5-fold higher on average when albendazole is administered with a fatty meal (fat content approximately 40 g) compared to administration in the fasted state.
In one study of six healthy male volunteers, administration of a single 10 mg The elimination half-life was not affected. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. In six healthy male volunteers, administration of a single 10 mg However, because pharmacokinetic interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability, the extent to which a given patient may be affected is difficult to predict. Grapefruit juice may also enhance the oral bioavailability of albendazole.
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MONITOR: Grapefruit juice may increase the oral bioavailability of albendazole, which is rapidly converted by hepatocytes and intestinal mucosal cells into the active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSX), following absorption.
MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, albendazole should be taken with food.
Alford Drug Interaction
Unknown: aspirin, aspirin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin / clavulanate, amoxicillin / clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, acetaminophen, acetaminophen, valproic acid, valproic acid, multivitamin, multivitamin, cyanocobalamin, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol, cholecalciferol
Alford Disease Interaction
Major: myelosuppressionModerate: hepatobiliary dysfunction, neurologic dysfunction, renal impairment
Elimination Route
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)
Half Life
Terminal elimination half-life ranges from 8 to 12 hours (single dose, 400mg).
Elimination Route
Alford is 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. Urinary excretion of albendazole sulfoxide is a minor elimination pathway with less than 1% of the dose recovered in the urine. Biliary elimination presumably accounts for a portion of the elimination as evidenced by biliary concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide similar to those achieved in plasma.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Alford should not use first 45 days of pregnancy of cow. Do not administer to ewes or does during the first 30 days of pregnancy. Sufficient data on use during lactation is not available. Therefore breast feeding should be discontinued during and for a minimum of 5 days after treatment.
Contraindication
This is known to be teratogenic and embryo-toxic in some animals. Therefore it should not be administered during pregnancy or in women thought to be pregnant. It should only be used in the treatment of echinococcosis if there is constant medical supervision with regular monitoring of serumtransaminase concentrations and of leucocyte and platelet counts.
Acute Overdose
If poisoning or excessive overdosageis suspected, it is recommended for vomiting be induction or gastric lavage and such symptomatic supportive therapy to be administered.
Interaction with other Medicine
Cimetidine, Praziquantel and Dexamethasone have been reported to increase the plasma levels of Alford active metabolite.
Storage Condition
Do not store above 30 degree centigrade. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Alford
Alford contains Albendazole see full prescribing information from innovator Alford Monograph, Alford MSDS, Alford FDA label
FAQ
What is Alford used for?
Alford is used to treat neurocysticercosis, an infection of the nervous system caused by pork tapeworms.Alford is also used to treat cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, an infection caused by dog tapeworms.Alford is used to treat infections caused by worms.
How safe is Alford?
The facts that Alford is safe and easy to administer, both in treatment of individuals and in treatment of whole communities where it has been given by paramedical and nonmedical personnel, have enabled its use to improve general community health, including the improved nutrition and development of children.
How does Alford work?
It works by keeping the worm from absorbing sugar (glucose), so that the worm loses energy and dies.
How long does it take Alford to work?
Depending on the type of infection you have, it could take up to three days before you start to feel the effects of Alford.
What are the common side effects of Alford?
Common side effects of Alford are include:Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, or temporary hair loss may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Is Alford safe during pregnancy?
Alford are well tolerated, with no adverse events in pregnant women and their fetuses when given after the first trimester of pregnancy. Anthelminthic medicines must not be given during the first trimester.
Is Alford safe during breastfeeding?
After an oral dose of 400 mg attain low concentrations in breast milk that are unlikely to be considered harmful for the breastfed infant.
Can I drink alcohol with Alford?
Alford may cause liver problems. Because drinking alcohol increases the risk of liver problems, limit alcoholic beverages while using Alford.
When is the best time to take Alford?
Take Alford with meals, especially with food containing fat, to help your body absorb the medicine better. You may crush or chew the tablet and swallow it with water.
How long does Alford stay in my system?
Alford 400 MG Tablet may remain active in your body for an approximate duration of 2 to 3 days.
How many times can I take Alford?
The dose is usually 400 milligrams 2 times a day, taken with meals for 28 days. This is followed by not taking Alford for 14 days, for a total of 3 cycles. Adults weighing less than 60 kg.Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
Can I take Alford for a long time?
Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Is Alford taken on empty stomach?
You should take each dose of Alford with a meal. Taking it on an empty stomach may lead to inadequate blood levels and reduced effectiveness of the medication. Grapefruit juice can also increase the absorption of Alford.
Who should not take Alford?
If you are a type of blood disorder with a decrease in all types of blood cells called pancytopenia. low blood counts due to bone marrow failure.,anemia. low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils.
How quickly does Alford work?
Depending on the type of infection you have, it could take up to three days before you start to feel the effects of Alford.
Is Alford safe for humans?
The facts that Alford is safe and easy to administer, both in treatment of individuals and in treatment of whole communities where it has been given by paramedical and nonmedical personnel, have enabled its use to improve general community health, including the improved nutrition and development of children.
Is Alford safe for kidneys?
Alford should be immediately discontinued if acute renal failure due to hypersensitivity reaction is suspected.
Who should not take Alford?
Alford may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control while taking Alford and for at least 3 days after your last dose.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Can Alford cause death?
Known adverse effects of Alford include alopecia, transaminase elevation, and neutropenia.Alford leading to death from septic shock is reported.
What happen if I overdose on Alford?
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, Otherwise, call a poison control center right away.