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Pharmacokinetics of albendazole in children with hydatid disease
G B Okelo1, B Hagos, J N Ng'ang'a
1Ministry of Health, Nairobi.
Insights
Albendazole sulphoxide, a key metabolite, showed variable and higher plasma concentrations in children treated for hydatid disease compared to adults. Unchanged albendazole was undetectable, with some patients showing high albendazole sulphone levels.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Albendazole is a crucial anthelmintic drug used for treating parasitic infections like hydatid disease.
- Understanding albendazole pharmacokinetics in pediatric populations is essential for optimizing treatment efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of albendazole in children with hydatid disease.
- To compare pediatric pharmacokinetic data with existing adult data.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma samples from five pediatric patients undergoing hydatid disease treatment.
- Quantification of albendazole, albendazole sulphoxide, and albendazole sulphone concentrations.
Main Results:
- Unchanged albendazole was below detectable plasma levels in all children.
- Albendazole sulphoxide was the predominant metabolite, with variable and generally higher maximum concentrations than reported in adults.
- Elevated plasma concentrations of albendazole sulphone were observed in one child, with only trace amounts in others.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric pharmacokinetics of albendazole differ from adults, particularly regarding albendazole sulphoxide levels.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical significance of these pharmacokinetic variations in children.
Abstract:
The pharmacokinetics of albendazole were investigated in five children who were hospitalized at the Kenyatta National Hospital for the treatment of hydatid disease. Unchanged albendazole was below detectable level in plasma. The major metabolite present was albendazole sulphoxide. In one of the patients, the concentration of albendazole sulphone in plasma was significantly high, whereas in the other four children, only trace amounts were detected. Maximum concentrations of albendazole sulphoxide in these five children were variable and generally higher than those reported in adults by other workers. Other pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable to those found in other studies.