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  • ALBENZA ALBENDAZOLE 200 mg/1 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
FDA Drug information

ALBENZA

Read time: 1 mins
Marketing start date: 14 Feb 2025

Summary of product characteristics


Adverse Reactions

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions 1% or greater in hydatid disease: abnormal liver function tests, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, reversible alopecia, headache, dizziness/vertigo, fever. ( 6.1 ) Adverse reactions 1% or greater in neurocysticercosis: headache, nausea/vomiting, raised intracranial pressure, meningeal signs. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The adverse reaction profile of ALBENZA differs between hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis. Adverse reactions occurring with a frequency of 1% or greater in either disease are described in Table 2 below. These symptoms were usually mild and resolved without treatment. Treatment discontinuations were predominantly due to leukopenia (0.7%) or hepatic abnormalities (3.8% in hydatid disease). The following incidence reflects adverse reactions that were reported to be at least possibly or probably related to ALBENZA. Table 2: Adverse Reaction Incidence 1% or Greater in Hydatid Disease and Neurocysticercosis Adverse Reaction Hydatid Disease Neurocysticercosis Gastrointestinal Abdominal Pain 6 0 Nausea 4 6 Vomiting 4 6 General disorders and administration site conditions Fever 1 0 Investigations Elevated Hepatic Enzymes 16 less than 1 Nervous system disorders Dizziness 1 less than 1 Headache 1 11 Meningeal Signs 0 1 Raised Intracranial Pressure 0 2 Vertigo 1 less than 1 Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Reversible Alopecia 2 less than 1 The following adverse events were observed at an incidence of less than 1%: Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: There have been reports of leukopenia, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, or thrombocytopenia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash and urticaria. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ALBENZA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Aplastic anemia, bone marrow suppression, neutropenia. Eye Disorders: Vision blurred. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diarrhea. General System Disorders: Asthenia. Hepatobiliary Disorders: Elevations of hepatic enzymes, hepatitis, acute liver failure. Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Rhabdomyolysis. Nervous System Disorders: Somnolence, convulsion. Renal and Urinary Disorders: Acute renal failure. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ALBENZA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole class of compounds or any components of ALBENZA. Patients with known hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole class of compounds or any components of ALBENZA.

Description

11 DESCRIPTION ALBENZA (albendazole) is an orally administered anthelmintic drug. Chemically, it is methyl 5-(propylthio)-2-benzimidazolecarbamate. Its molecular formula is C 12 H 15 N 3 O 2 S. Its molecular weight is 265.34. It has the following chemical structure: Albendazole is a white to yellowish powder. It is freely soluble in anhydrous formic acid and very slightly soluble in ether and in methylene chloride. Albendazole is practically insoluble in alcohol and in water. Each white to off-white, circular, biconvex, bevel-edged film coated, TILTAB tablet is debossed with “ap” and “550” and contains 200 mg of albendazole. Inactive ingredients consist of: carnauba wax, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium saccharin, sodium starch glycolate, and starch. methyl 5-(propylthio)-2-benzimidazolecarbamate

Dosage And Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 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). ALBENZA tablets should be taken with food. ( 2 ) Hydatid disease: 28-day cycle followed by 14-day albendazole-free interval for a total of 3 cycles. ( 2 ) Neurocysticercosis: 8 to 30 days. ( 2 ) See additional important information in the Full Prescribing Information. ( 2 ) 2.1 Dosage Dosing of ALBENZA will vary depending upon the indication. ALBENZA tablets may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water. ALBENZA tablets should be taken with food [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Table 1: ALBENZA 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 [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]. 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 ALBENZA in all patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Monitor liver enzymes (transaminases) at the beginning of each 28-day cycle of therapy, and at least every 2 weeks during treatment with ALBENZA in all patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Obtain a pregnancy test in women of reproductive potential prior to therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .

Indications And Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ALBENZA is an anthelmintic drug indicated for: Treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium . ( 1.1 ) Treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus . ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Neurocysticercosis ALBENZA is indicated for the treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium . 1.2 Hydatid Disease ALBENZA is indicated for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus .

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE In case of overdosage, symptomatic therapy and general supportive measures are recommended.

Adverse Reactions Table

Table 2: Adverse Reaction Incidence 1% or Greater in Hydatid Disease and Neurocysticercosis
Adverse Reaction Hydatid Disease Neurocysticercosis
Gastrointestinal
Abdominal Pain 6 0
Nausea 4 6
Vomiting 4 6
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fever 1 0
Investigations
Elevated Hepatic Enzymes 16 less than 1
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness 1 less than 1
Headache 1 11
Meningeal Signs 0 1
Raised Intracranial Pressure 0 2
Vertigo 1 less than 1
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Reversible Alopecia 2 less than 1

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Dexamethasone: Steady-state trough concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide were about 56% higher when dexamethasone was coadministered with each dose of albendazole. ( 7.1 ) Praziquantel: In the fed state increased mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve of albendazole sulfoxide by about 50% in healthy subjects. ( 7.2 ) Cimetidine: Increased albendazole sulfoxide concentrations in bile and cystic fluid by about 2-fold in hydatid cyst patients. ( 7.3 ) Theophylline: Albendazole induces cytochrome P450 1A in human hepatoma cells; therefore, it is recommended that plasma concentrations of theophylline be monitored during and after treatment. ( 5.5 , 7.4 ) 7.1 Dexamethasone Steady-state trough concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide were about 56% higher when 8 mg dexamethasone was co-administered with each dose of albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) in 8 neurocysticercosis patients. 7.2 Praziquantel In the fed state, praziquantel (40 mg/kg) increased mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve of albendazole sulfoxide by about 50% in healthy subjects (n = 10) compared with a separate group of subjects (n = 6) given albendazole alone. Mean T max and mean plasma elimination half-life of albendazole sulfoxide were unchanged. The pharmacokinetics of praziquantel were unchanged following co-administration with albendazole (400 mg). 7.3 Cimetidine Albendazole sulfoxide concentrations in bile and cystic fluid were increased (about 2-fold) in hydatid cyst patients treated with cimetidine (10 mg/kg/day) (n = 7) compared with albendazole (20 mg/kg/day) alone (n = 12). Albendazole sulfoxide plasma concentrations were unchanged 4 hours after dosing. 7.4 Theophylline Following a single dose of albendazole (400 mg), the pharmacokinetics of theophylline (aminophylline 5.8 mg/kg infused over 20 minutes) were unchanged. Albendazole induces cytochrome P450 1A in human hepatoma cells; therefore, it is recommended that plasma concentrations of theophylline be monitored during and after treatment.

Clinical Pharmacology

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action ALBENZA (albendazole) is a synthetic, antihelminthic drug of the class benzimidazole [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.4 ) ]. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract due to its low aqueous solubility. Albendazole concentrations are negligible or undetectable in plasma as it is rapidly converted to the sulfoxide metabolite prior to reaching the systemic circulation. The systemic anthelmintic activity has been attributed to the primary metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide. Oral bioavailability appears to be enhanced when albendazole is coadministered with a fatty meal (estimated fat content 40 grams) as evidenced by higher (up to 5-fold on average) plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide as compared to the fasted state. Maximal plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide were achieved 2 hours to 5 hours after dosing and were on average 1310 ng/mL (range 460 ng/mL to 1580 ng/mL) following oral doses of albendazole (400 mg) in 6 hydatid disease patients, when administered with a fatty meal. Plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide increased in a dose-proportional manner over the therapeutic dose range following ingestion of a high-fat meal (fat content 43.1 grams). The mean apparent terminal elimination half-life of albendazole sulfoxide ranged from 8 hours to 12 hours in 25 healthy subjects, as well as in 14 hydatid and 8 neurocysticercosis patients. Following 4 weeks of treatment with albendazole (200 mg three times daily), 12 patients’ plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide were approximately 20% lower than those observed during the first half of the treatment period, suggesting that albendazole may induce its own metabolism. Distribution Albendazole sulfoxide is 70% bound to plasma protein and is widely distributed throughout the body; it has been detected in urine, bile, liver, cyst wall, cyst fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Concentrations in plasma were 3-fold to 10-fold and 2-fold to 4-fold higher than those simultaneously determined in cyst fluid and CSF, respectively. Metabolism and Excretion Albendazole 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. Following oral administration, albendazole has not been detected 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. Specific Populations Pediatrics Following single-dose administration of 200 mg to 300 mg (approximately 10 mg/kg) ALBENZA to 3 fasted and 2 fed pediatric patients with hydatid cyst disease (age range 6 to 13 years), albendazole sulfoxide pharmacokinetics were similar to those observed in fed adults. Geriatrics Although no studies have investigated the effect of age on albendazole sulfoxide pharmacokinetics, data in 26 hydatid cyst patients (up to 79 years) suggest pharmacokinetics similar to those in young healthy subjects. 12.4 Microbiology Mechanism of Action ALBENZA binds to the colchicine-sensitive site of β-tubulin inhibiting their polymerization into microtubules. The decrease in microtubules in the intestinal cells of the parasites decreases their absorptive function, especially the uptake of glucose by the adult and larval forms of the parasites, and also depletes glycogen storage. Insufficient glucose results in insufficient energy for the production of adenosine trisphosphate (ATP) and the parasite eventually dies. Mechanism of Resistance Parasitic resistance to albendazole is caused by changes in amino acids that result in changes in the β-tubulin protein. This causes reduced binding of the drug to β-tubulin. In the specified treatment indications albendazole appears to be active against the larval forms of the following organisms: Echinococcus granulosus Taenia solium

Mechanism Of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action ALBENZA (albendazole) is a synthetic, antihelminthic drug of the class benzimidazole [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.4 ) ].

Pharmacokinetics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract due to its low aqueous solubility. Albendazole concentrations are negligible or undetectable in plasma as it is rapidly converted to the sulfoxide metabolite prior to reaching the systemic circulation. The systemic anthelmintic activity has been attributed to the primary metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide. Oral bioavailability appears to be enhanced when albendazole is coadministered with a fatty meal (estimated fat content 40 grams) as evidenced by higher (up to 5-fold on average) plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide as compared to the fasted state. Maximal plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide were achieved 2 hours to 5 hours after dosing and were on average 1310 ng/mL (range 460 ng/mL to 1580 ng/mL) following oral doses of albendazole (400 mg) in 6 hydatid disease patients, when administered with a fatty meal. Plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide increased in a dose-proportional manner over the therapeutic dose range following ingestion of a high-fat meal (fat content 43.1 grams). The mean apparent terminal elimination half-life of albendazole sulfoxide ranged from 8 hours to 12 hours in 25 healthy subjects, as well as in 14 hydatid and 8 neurocysticercosis patients. Following 4 weeks of treatment with albendazole (200 mg three times daily), 12 patients’ plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide were approximately 20% lower than those observed during the first half of the treatment period, suggesting that albendazole may induce its own metabolism. Distribution Albendazole sulfoxide is 70% bound to plasma protein and is widely distributed throughout the body; it has been detected in urine, bile, liver, cyst wall, cyst fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Concentrations in plasma were 3-fold to 10-fold and 2-fold to 4-fold higher than those simultaneously determined in cyst fluid and CSF, respectively. Metabolism and Excretion Albendazole 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. Following oral administration, albendazole has not been detected 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. Specific Populations Pediatrics Following single-dose administration of 200 mg to 300 mg (approximately 10 mg/kg) ALBENZA to 3 fasted and 2 fed pediatric patients with hydatid cyst disease (age range 6 to 13 years), albendazole sulfoxide pharmacokinetics were similar to those observed in fed adults. Geriatrics Although no studies have investigated the effect of age on albendazole sulfoxide pharmacokinetics, data in 26 hydatid cyst patients (up to 79 years) suggest pharmacokinetics similar to those in young healthy subjects.

Effective Time

20190923

Version

14

Dosage And Administration Table

Table 1: ALBENZA Dosage
Indication Patient Weight Dose Duration
Hydatid Disease60 kg or greater400 mg twice daily, with meals28-day cycle followed by a 14-day albendazole-free interval, for a total of 3 cycles
Less than 60 kg15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg)
Neurocysticercosis60 kg or greater400 mg twice daily, with meals 8 to 30 days
Less than 60 kg15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg)

Dosage Forms And Strengths

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Tablet: 200 mg Tablet: 200 mg ( 3 )

Spl Product Data Elements

ALBENZA albendazole ALBENDAZOLE ALBENDAZOLE CARNAUBA WAX HYPROMELLOSES LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE MAGNESIUM STEARATE CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE POVIDONE SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE SACCHARIN SODIUM MONOHYDRATE SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO STARCH, CORN white to off-white ap;550 cirular

Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis And Impairment Of Fertility

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term carcinogenicity studies were conducted in mice and rats. No evidence of increased incidence of tumors was found in the mice or rats at up to 400 mg/kg/day or 20 mg/kg/day respectively (2 times and 0.2 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). In genotoxicity tests, albendazole was found negative in an Ames Salmonella/Microsome Plate mutation assay, Chinese Hamster Ovary chromosomal aberration test, and in vivo mouse micronucleus test. In the in vitro BALB/3T3 cells transformation assay, albendazole produced weak activity in the presence of metabolic activation while no activity was found in the absence of metabolic activation. Albendazole did not adversely affect male or female fertility in the rat at an oral dose of 30 mg/kg/day (0.32 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ).

Nonclinical Toxicology

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term carcinogenicity studies were conducted in mice and rats. No evidence of increased incidence of tumors was found in the mice or rats at up to 400 mg/kg/day or 20 mg/kg/day respectively (2 times and 0.2 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis). In genotoxicity tests, albendazole was found negative in an Ames Salmonella/Microsome Plate mutation assay, Chinese Hamster Ovary chromosomal aberration test, and in vivo mouse micronucleus test. In the in vitro BALB/3T3 cells transformation assay, albendazole produced weak activity in the presence of metabolic activation while no activity was found in the absence of metabolic activation. Albendazole did not adversely affect male or female fertility in the rat at an oral dose of 30 mg/kg/day (0.32 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ).

Application Number

NDA020666

Brand Name

ALBENZA

Generic Name

albendazole

Product Ndc

64896-693

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route

ORAL

Package Label Principal Display Panel

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL 1

Information For Patients

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Patients should be advised that: Some people, particularly children, may experience difficulties swallowing the ALBENZA tablets whole. Take ALBENZA with food. ALBENZA may cause fetal harm, therefore, obtain a pregnancy test in women of reproductive potential prior to initiating therapy [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ) ]. Advise women of reproductive potential to use effective birth control while on ALBENZA and for one month after completing treatment [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 ) ]. During ALBENZA therapy, monitor blood counts and liver enzymes every 2 weeks because of the possibility of harm to the liver or bone marrow [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ]. ALBENZA and TILTAB are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline, used with permission. Distributed by: Amneal Specialty, a division of Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807 1908-03 Rev. 09-2019-01

Geriatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use In patients aged 65 and older with either hydatid disease or neurocysticercosis, there was insufficient data to determine whether the safety and effectiveness of ALBENZA is different from that of younger patients.

Pediatric Use

8.4 Pediatric Use Hydatid disease is uncommon in infants and young children. In neurocysticercosis, the efficacy of ALBENZA in children appears to be similar to that in adults.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are limited data on use of ALBENZA in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In published studies, single-dose albendazole exposure during pregnancy did not show evidence of an increased risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; however, this finding cannot be extrapolated to multiple-dose exposures ( see Data ). In animal reproductive studies, oral administration of albendazole during gestation caused embryotoxicity and skeletal malformations in pregnant rats (at oral doses of 0.10 times and 0.32 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ) and pregnant rabbits (at oral doses of 0.60 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ). Albendazole was also associated with maternal toxicity in rabbits (at doses of 0.60 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ) ( see Data ). ALBENZA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. ALBENZA should not be used in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative management is appropriate. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, ALBENZA should be discontinued immediately. If pregnancy occurs while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data A Cochrane review could not provide sufficient evidence of the impact of antihelminthics (including albendazole) on the pregnancy outcomes of low birthweight, perinatal mortality and preterm birth. In a large trial of about 2507 women, albendazole use during the second or third trimester of pregnancy had no overall effect on birth weight, perinatal mortality, or congenital anomalies. With a limited sample size and single-does exposure, another study could not rule out a two-fold increased risk of major malformations [4.7% vs. 2.2%; OR 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5 to 10.1); p = 0.26]. Animal Data Albendazole has been shown to be teratogenic (to cause embryotoxicity and skeletal malformations) in pregnant rats and rabbits. The teratogenic response in the rat was shown at oral doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg/day (0.10 times and 0.32 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 , respectively) during gestation days 6 to 15 and in pregnant rabbits at oral doses of 30 mg/kg/day (0.60 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ) administered during gestation days 7 to 19. In the rabbit study, maternal toxicity (33% mortality) was noted at 30 mg/kg/day. In mice, no teratogenic effects were observed at oral doses up to 30 mg/kg/day (0.16 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ), administered during gestation days 6 to 15.

Use In Specific Populations

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are limited data on use of ALBENZA in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In published studies, single-dose albendazole exposure during pregnancy did not show evidence of an increased risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; however, this finding cannot be extrapolated to multiple-dose exposures ( see Data ). In animal reproductive studies, oral administration of albendazole during gestation caused embryotoxicity and skeletal malformations in pregnant rats (at oral doses of 0.10 times and 0.32 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ) and pregnant rabbits (at oral doses of 0.60 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ). Albendazole was also associated with maternal toxicity in rabbits (at doses of 0.60 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ) ( see Data ). ALBENZA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. ALBENZA should not be used in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative management is appropriate. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, ALBENZA should be discontinued immediately. If pregnancy occurs while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data A Cochrane review could not provide sufficient evidence of the impact of antihelminthics (including albendazole) on the pregnancy outcomes of low birthweight, perinatal mortality and preterm birth. In a large trial of about 2507 women, albendazole use during the second or third trimester of pregnancy had no overall effect on birth weight, perinatal mortality, or congenital anomalies. With a limited sample size and single-does exposure, another study could not rule out a two-fold increased risk of major malformations [4.7% vs. 2.2%; OR 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5 to 10.1); p = 0.26]. Animal Data Albendazole has been shown to be teratogenic (to cause embryotoxicity and skeletal malformations) in pregnant rats and rabbits. The teratogenic response in the rat was shown at oral doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg/day (0.10 times and 0.32 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 , respectively) during gestation days 6 to 15 and in pregnant rabbits at oral doses of 30 mg/kg/day (0.60 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ) administered during gestation days 7 to 19. In the rabbit study, maternal toxicity (33% mortality) was noted at 30 mg/kg/day. In mice, no teratogenic effects were observed at oral doses up to 30 mg/kg/day (0.16 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m 2 ), administered during gestation days 6 to 15. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of albendazole in human milk, the effects on the breast-fed infant or the effects on milk production. Albendazole is excreted in animal milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ALBENZA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ALBENZA or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Obtain pregnancy test prior to prescribing ALBENZA to women of reproductive potential. Contraception Females Advise women of reproductive potential to use effective birth control for the duration of ALBENZA therapy and for one month after end of therapy. 8.4 Pediatric Use Hydatid disease is uncommon in infants and young children. In neurocysticercosis, the efficacy of ALBENZA in children appears to be similar to that in adults. 8.5 Geriatric Use In patients aged 65 and older with either hydatid disease or neurocysticercosis, there was insufficient data to determine whether the safety and effectiveness of ALBENZA is different from that of younger patients. 8.6 Patients with Impaired Renal Function The pharmacokinetics of ALBENZA in patients with impaired renal function has not been studied. 8.7 Patients with Extra-Hepatic Obstruction In patients with evidence of extrahepatic obstruction (n = 5), the systemic availability of albendazole sulfoxide was increased, as indicated by a 2-fold increase in maximum serum concentration and a 7-fold increase in area under the curve. The rate of absorption/conversion and elimination of albendazole sulfoxide appeared to be prolonged with mean T max and serum elimination half-life values of 10 hours and 31.7 hours, respectively. Plasma concentrations of parent ALBENZA were measurable in only 1 of 5 patients.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Each white to off-white, circular, biconvex, bevel-edged film coated, TILTAB tablet is debossed with “ap” and “550” and contains 200 mg of albendazole. Bottles of 2 Tablets NDC 64896-693-49 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Storage And Handling

16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

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