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Overview

Kealworm 400 MG Tablet

Manufacturer :  Novartis India Ltd
Medicine Composition :  Albendazole
Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Kealworm 400 MG Tablet

Kealworm 400 MG Tablet is generally prescribed to treat diseases like neurocysticercosis (affecting the brain, muscles and other tissues) and giardiasis (intestinal infection). This drug is an antiparasitic drug. It is used for treating several diseases caused by an infestation of parasitic worms.

It also treats hydatid disease, pinworm disease (intestinal infection), ascariasis (gastrointestinal infection), filariasis (affecting the lymph nodes and vessels) and others. The drug falls under the group of drugs known as anthelmintics.

It expels the parasitic worms either by stunning them or killing them without causing notable damage to the host body. The anthelmintic drug kills the sensitive parasites in your body.

Before you start this medication, you must inform your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions:

  • Blockage in the biliary tract
  • Liver disease
  • A low blood count (low platelet, white cell or red cell count)

Also inform the doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, breast-feeding mother or In case you are allergic to Kealworm 400 MG Tablet, or any other medicines or food.

In case you forget to take a dose of this medication, you can take it as soon as you remember it. Do not take two doses together just because you missed one. It should also be kept in mind not to stop your medicines before the prescribed time, even if you think you are feeling better.

Apart from that, you must consult your child’s paediatrician before using this tablet to treat your child’s condition. Take according to prescribed dosage schedule with meals.

You may experience loss of hair (reversible); dizziness or headaches (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks that require alertness until response to drug is known). Report unusual fever, abdominal pain, unresolved vomiting, yellowing of skin or eyes, darkening of urine, or light colored stools.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Kealworm 400 MG Tablet

    • Neurocysticercosis

    • Hydatid Disease

    • Systemic Infections

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Kealworm 400 MG Tablet ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Kealworm 400 MG Tablet ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Kealworm 400 MG Tablet

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      This drug is broken down in the liver and remains active in the body for an average of 8.5-9 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      This drug is poorly absorbed from the Gastro-intestinal tract and reaches its peak levels within 2-5 hours of administration.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      It is suspected to cause harm to the developing fetus in pregnant women. Since there is a lack of conclusive evidence from studies on human, it is not recommended for use. However, its usage could be considered in cases where the potential benefits outweigh the risks associated.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      It is not excreted in the breast milk. It is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      No relevant information available. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      It cause an increase in LFTs. Thus dose is needed to be adjusted. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      It is unknown whether it is safe or not to consume Kealworm 400 MG Tablet with alcohol.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Kealworm 400 MG Tablet may affect the alertness of the patient taking it.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the substitutes for Kealworm 400 MG Tablet ?

    Below is the list of medicines, which have the same composition, strength and form as Kealworm 400 MG Tablet , and hence can be used as its substitute.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      The missed dose should be taken as soon as one remembers. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, then one should skip the missed one.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      One should contact the Doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Kealworm 400 MG Tablet approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This active constituent gets converted into sulfoxide form and causes degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubules and tegmental cells. It results in depletion of energy and metabolic processes and the parasites are killed.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Kealworm 400 MG Tablet ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Clozapine

        Any sign or symptom of infection should be properly reported. Usage of either of the drugs should be reported to the Doctor so that safer alternatives can be prescribed.

        Dexamethasone

        Suitable adjustments in the dosage is to be made under doctor's supervision before this drug is prescribed along with dexamethasone

        Praziquantel

        Suitable adjustments in the dosage is to be made before this drug is prescribed along with Praziquantel

        Carbamazepine

        Suitable adjustments in the dosage of this medication along with monitoring of levels by the Doctor is recommended.

        Phenytoin

        Suitable adjustments in the dosage of it, along with monitoring of levels by the Doctor is recommended.
      • Interaction with Food

        Grapefruit Juice

        Kealworm 400 MG Tablet should not be taken with grapefruit juice in order to avoid the unpredictable effect. Administer with a high fatty diet.
      • Interaction with Disease

        • Discontinue therapy if LFT elevations are significant; may restart treatment when decreased to pretreatment values.
        • Becoming pregnant within 1 month following therapy is not advised.
        • Corticosteroids should be administered 1-2 days before albendazole therapy in patients with neurocysticercosis to minimize inflammatory reactions and steroid and anticonvulsant therapy should be used concurrently during the first week of therapy for neurocysticercosis to prevent cerebral hypertension.
        • If retinal lesions exist in patients with neurocysticercosis, weigh risk of further retinal damage due to albendazole-induced changes to the retinal lesion vs benefit of disease treatment.

      FAQs about Kealworm 400 MG Tablet

      • Ques : What is Kealworm 400 MG Tablet?

        Ans : The drug falls under the group of drugs known as anthelmintics. It gets converted into sulfoxide form and causes degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubules and tegmental cells.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Kealworm 400 MG Tablet before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication should be consumed, until the complete eradication of the disease. Thus it is advised to use, till the time directed by your doctor. Also taking this medication longer than it was prescribed, can cause an inadequate effect on the patient's condition.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Kealworm 400 MG Tablet?

        Ans : The duration of effect for this medicine is dependent on the severity of the patient’s condition. Therefore the frequency of usage of this medication will vary from person to person. It is advised to follow the proper prescription of the doctor, directed according to the patient's condition.

      • Ques : Should I use Kealworm 400 MG Tablet empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. The salts involved in this medication react properly if it is taken after having food. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Kealworm 400 MG Tablet?

        Ans : This medication contains salts which are suitable to store only at room temperature, as keeping this medication above or below that, can cause an inadequate effect. Protect it from moisture and light. Keep this medication away from the reach of children.

      • Ques : Can Kealworm 400 MG Tablet be considered as an antibiotic?

        Ans : Kealworm 400 MG Tablet is an anthelmintic drug, an antibiotic. It is used for treating several parasitic infections.

      • Ques : For what is Kealworm 400 MG Tablet used?

        Ans : It is used for treating infections caused by ​worm-like parasites​, like the ​ human pinworm​, roundworm​, hookworms like Necator americanus, whipworm, chinese liver fluke​. It is advisable to take this drug only after consultation of a doctor as there are worms for which this medicine could be ineffective.

      • Ques : How does Kealworm 400 MG Tablet work?

        Ans : It works by destroying larva and the adult form of the targeted worm by ​ impeding​ tubulin polymerization causing depletion of energy and reducing mobility of the specified worm, thus, killing it.

      • Ques : Can Kealworm 400 MG Tablet be taken along with fluconazole?

        Ans : Yes, it can be taken along with any other drug as no drug-drug interactions have been reported between both of them. Though, inter activities may occur so it is suggested to consult a doctor before trying both of them simultaneously.

      • Ques : Is it safe to take Kealworm 400 MG Tablet?

        Ans : Kealworm 400 MG Tablet is a safe drug provided it is taken in prescribed doses for the specified period of time told by your doctor.

      • Ques : Can Kealworm 400 MG Tablet treat pinworms?

        Ans : Kealworm 400 MG Tablet is used for treating pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis). It also acts against larval and adult stages. Still, consulting a doctor beforehand is necessary for worm infections.

      • Ques : Is Kealworm 400 MG Tablet considered as an over the counter product?

        Ans : It’s a prescription medicine and not an over the counter (OTC) product.

      • Ques : Is Kealworm 400 MG Tablet safe to take under G6PD deficiency?

        Ans : Kealworm 400 MG Tablet is safe to take for people having G6PD deficiency.

      • Ques : Can Kealworm 400 MG Tablet destroy tapeworms?

        Ans : Kealworm 400 MG Tablet can be used to treat ​ Dwarf tapeworm and beef tapeworm.​ Consulting a doctor is very important before using this drug as it is ineffective for certain worms.

      • Ques : Can Kealworm 400 MG Tablet be the reason diarrhoea?

        Ans : Kealworm 400 MG Tablet doesn’t commonly cause ​ diarrhoea​ . Please consult your doctor if you experience diarrhea after taking it.

      • Ques : Does Kealworm 400 MG Tablet work efficiently?

        Ans : Kealworm 400 MG Tablet works efficiently if taken in doses prescribed by your doctor for specified duration of time.

      • Ques : Can Kealworm 400 MG Tablet treat scabies?

        Ans : Kealworm 400 MG Tablet cannot treat scabies. You should visit your doctor and get yourself diagnosed properly if you think you are having scabies.

      • Ques : Can this drug kill eggs?

        Ans : Kealworm 400 MG Tablet cannot destroy or kill the eggs of the worms. It only acts for the impediment of larva and the adult form of the targeted worm.

      References

      • Albendazole- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/albendazole

      • Albendazole - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2021 [cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00518

      • ALBENDAZOLE 200 MG- albendazole tablet, film coated- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a5b09ffd-6ebe-cd89-e053-2995a90aa281

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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