Pricing
Prices are indicative MRP and may vary by pharmacy. Trend compares against the last recorded price.
All price changes →Save on this medicine
Same active ingredient — pay up to 25% less
These brands contain the same active ingredient (Albendazole). Same strength and form. Confirm the switch with your doctor or pharmacist.
More from Benfast
Other strengths and forms by Novo Healthcare and Pharma Ltd.
Indications & Uses
Benfast is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Albendazole is a broad spectrum anthelmintic that shows vermicidal, ovicidal and larvicidal activity. It is thought to work by blocking glucose uptake in susceptible worms, which depletes their energy stores until the level becomes too low to sustain them. This is followed by immobilization of the parasite. These effects likely result from albendazole and its metabolites binding to and inhibiting parasite tubulin polymerization, though the drug also binds to human tubulin. Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes rapid, extensive first pass metabolism, largely in the liver. Its main metabolite, albendazole sulphoxide, retains anthelmintic activity and has a plasma half life of about 8.5 hours. It is excreted in the urine along with other metabolites.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adults and children over 2 years: 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as a single dose in cases of Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. In cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) daily should be given for 3 consecutive days. If the patient is not cured on follow-up after three weeks, a second course of treatment is indicated. Children of 1 to 2 years: the recommended dose is a single dose of 200 mg (5 ml suspension). Children under 1 year: not recommended. In hydatid disease (echinococcosis), albendazole is given by mouth with meals in a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 28 days for patients weighing over 60 kg. A dose of 15 mg per kg body weight daily in two divided doses (to a maximum total daily dose of 800 mg) is used for patients weighing less than 60 kg. For cystic echinococcosis, the 28 day course may be repeated after 14 days without treatment, to a total of 3 treatment cycles. For alveolar echinococcosis, cycles of 28 days of treatment followed by 14 days without treatment may need to continue for months or years. In giardiasis, 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) once daily for five days is used.
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal upset, headache, and dizziness may occur, along with changes in liver enzyme levels. Reversible hair loss (alopecia) has rarely been reported, as have rash, fever, and blood disorders such as leucopenia and pancytopenia. Allergic shock can occur if a cyst leaks, and convulsions or meningism may develop when treating cerebral disease.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Blood counts and liver function tests should be checked before treatment and twice during each cycle. Breastfeeding should be considered carefully, and pregnancy should be ruled out before you start. Silben should only be used for the treatment of echinococcosis under constant medical supervision, with regular checks of serum transaminase levels and of leucocyte and platelet counts.
Contraindications
Neonates: Albendazole isn't normally used in this age group. Children: In children weighing less than 10 kg, the dose may be reduced from 400 mg to 200 mg, but there's no reason to lower the dose generally for children. Pregnant women: Albendazole shouldn't be given during pregnancy or to women who may be pregnant, since no information is available on whether it crosses the placenta. Concurrent disease: There's no evidence that the dose needs to be changed in patients with kidney, liver, or heart failure.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Albendazole falls under FDA pregnancy category C. Because of this, it's best avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, unless a doctor determines that the benefit to the mother clearly outweighs any potential risk to the unborn baby.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Benfast 400 mg
What is Benfast 400 mg Chewable Tablet?
Benfast 400 mg Chewable Tablet is a medicine that contains Albendazole. It is made by Novo Healthcare and Pharma Ltd. It belongs to the Anthelmintic group of medicines.
What is Benfast used for?
Benfast is used for: Helminthiasis.
What are the side effects of Benfast?
Gastrointestinal upset, headache, and dizziness may occur, along with changes in liver enzyme levels. Reversible hair loss (alopecia) has rarely been reported, as have rash, fever, and blood disorders such as leucopenia and pancytopenia.
Can I take Benfast during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Albendazole falls under FDA pregnancy category C. Because of this, it's best avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, unless a doctor determines that the benefit to the mother clearly outweighs any potential risk to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Benfast?
Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Benfast?
Some medicines can interact with Albendazole, for example: Levamisole Hydrochloride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
AB-DS by Prime Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has the same ingredient and strength for ৳3.00 per unit, compared with ৳4.02 for Benfast. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Do I need a prescription for Benfast?
Benfast is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.