low (ALBENDAZOLE)

What is Low?

Low is a synthetic anthelmintic drug belonging to the benzimidazole class, primarily used to treat parasitic infections. It is effective against various types of worms, including tapeworms and roundworms.

What is the usual dose of Low?

For adults and children weighing 60 kg or more, the usual dose is 400 mg twice daily with meals. For those weighing less than 60 kg, the dose is 15 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses, with a maximum of 800 mg per day. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.

How do I take Low?

Low should be taken with food to enhance absorption. The tablets can be crushed or chewed and swallowed with water

For how long do I take Low?

The duration of treatment with Low depends on the condition:

• For hydatid disease, treatment lasts for 28 days, followed by a break.
• For neurocysticercosis, it can range from 8 to 30 days

What disease or symptom is Low used for?

Low is primarily used for:

• Neurocysticercosis: Infection caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm.
• Hydatid Disease: Cystic hydatid disease caused by the dog tapeworm

How long does it take for Low to start working?

Low typically begins to work within a few days after administration, but the exact time frame can vary depending on the type of infection and individual patient factors

Is Low effective?

Low has been shown to be effective against various parasitic infections. Its efficacy can depend on factors such as the type of parasite and the site of infection

How do I know if Low is working?

Patients can generally assess if Low is working through clinical improvement in symptoms associated with their parasitic infection. Follow-up imaging or laboratory tests may also be conducted to confirm resolution of infection

How does Low work?

Low works by inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin, which disrupts microtubule formation in parasites. This leads to impaired glucose uptake and energy depletion, ultimately resulting in the death of the parasite

Who should avoid taking Low?

Patients with known hypersensitivity to benzimidazoles should avoid Low. Caution is advised for those with liver disease or bone marrow suppression risks

Can I take Low with other prescription drugs?

Low is a medicine. When taken with certain other medicines like dexamethasone, praziquantel, or cimetidine, it makes the Low work more strongly. This means there's more of the active part of the medicine in the body. However, taking Low with theophylline doesn't seem to affect the theophylline levels, but it's still a good idea to keep an eye on things. Essentially, some medicines boost Low's effects, while others don't appear to interact, but monitoring is still wise.

Can Low be taken safely while pregnant?

Low is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. Animal studies have shown that it can cause embryotoxicity and skeletal malformations when administered during organogenesis. Although limited human data have not identified significant risks for major birth defects or adverse outcomes, caution is advised. Women of reproductive potential should undergo pregnancy testing before starting treatment and are advised to use effective contraception during and for three days after treatment with Low to mitigate risks to the fetus

Can Low be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Low is considered to be safe for use while breastfeeding, as concentrations of the drug and its active metabolite in human breast milk are low. There are no reported adverse effects on breastfed infants, but it is recommended to weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the mother's need for the medication.

Is Low safe for the elderly?

Low can generally be used safely in elderly individuals, but caution is recommended. Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, particularly those related to the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal system. Additionally, those with existing liver or kidney issues may require dose adjustments or closer monitoring during treatment. It's important for elderly patients to use Low under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who can assess any potential risks or necessary modifications to the treatment.

How should I store Low?

Low should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, to maintain its effectiveness

Does Low make people tired or drowsy?

Low can cause tiredness or drowsiness, but this side effect occurs in less than 10% of patients. If you experience significant fatigue or sleepiness, it is advisable to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving. Consult your healthcare provider if these symptoms persist or worsen

Does Low cause stomach upset?

Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea (6%) and vomiting (6%) are reported with Low. If you experience persistent abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, it is recommended to take the medication with food to minimize these effects. Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve

Does Low affect sleep?

There is no strong evidence that Low significantly affects sleep patterns, with no specific data indicating a frequency greater than 10%. If you notice changes in your sleep quality or patterns while taking this medication, discuss it with your healthcare provider for further guidance

Does Low make it hard to think or concentrate?

Cognitive side effects such as difficulty concentrating are not commonly reported with Low and occur in less than 10% of patients. If you experience significant cognitive difficulties, it is advisable to avoid tasks requiring mental focus and consult your healthcare provider

Does Low affect mood?

Mood swings or anxiety are not frequently reported side effects of Low, occurring in less than 10% of patients. If you notice significant changes in mood while taking this medication, consider discussing these symptoms with your healthcare provider for appropriate management.

Does Low interfere with sexual function?

There are no significant reports of Low interfering with sexual function, including loss of libido or erectile difficulties, occurring in less than 10% of patients. If you experience any sexual side effects, consult your healthcare provider for advice

Does Low affect appetite?

Changes in appetite are not commonly reported with Low and occur in less than 10% of patients. If you notice a significant change in appetite while taking this medication, discuss it with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Does Low cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a commonly reported side effect of Low, occurring in less than 10% of patients. If you experience unexpected weight changes while on the medication, consult your healthcare provider for assessment and guidance

Does Low cause headaches?

Headaches are reported in approximately 11% of patients taking Low, particularly those treated for neurocysticercosis. If you develop persistent or severe headaches, consider discussing them with your healthcare provider for potential management options.

Does Low limit driving?

Low may cause dizziness or fatigue in some individuals but does not commonly impair driving ability. If you experience significant drowsiness or difficulty concentrating while taking the medication, avoid driving and consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Low?

Drinking alcohol occasionally or moderately while taking Low is generally not recommended. While side effects from this combination are rare and mild, alcohol may increase the risk of liver toxicity and other adverse effects. It's best to consult your doctor before consuming alcohol to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the medication. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice regarding alcohol use during treatment.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Low?

Drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea does not significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of Low. While there is no strong evidence of harmful interactions, caffeine may slightly increase the metabolism of Low, which could impact how well the medication works. It's always a good idea to discuss any concerns about caffeine consumption with your healthcare provider to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Low?

Low can affect your ability to exercise, especially if you experience side effects like dizziness, nausea, or headaches, which are common. If you feel lightheaded or unwell, it’s best to avoid strenuous activities until you feel better. However, many people can still engage in moderate exercise without issues. Always listen to your body and consult your doctor if you have concerns about exercising while on Low.

What are the most common side effects of Low?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. With empagliflozin, these effects vary from person to person. The most common side effect is urinary tract infections, which affect about 8-9% of people taking this medication. Women may experience genital yeast infections, which occur in about 2-5% of female patients. Men can also get genital yeast infections, but this happens less frequently. Some people notice they urinate more often when taking empagliflozin, which happens in about 1-3% of patients. Upper respiratory infections, which affect your nose, throat, and airways, occur in about 4% of people taking this medication. If you notice new symptoms after starting empagliflozin, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Does Low have adverse effects?

Adverse effects, which are unwanted reactions to a medicine, can occur with empagliflozin. Common effects include urinary tract infections, affecting up to 9% of users, and genital yeast infections, especially in women. These can cause itching and unusual discharge. The drug may increase urination, leading to dehydration, which means your body lacks enough fluids and might cause dizziness. A rare but serious effect is ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous acid buildup in the blood and needs immediate medical attention. Severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, or Fournier's gangrene, which is a serious genital infection, are very rare. Always inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms while on empagliflozin.

Is Low addictive?

Empagliflozin is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Empagliflozin works by affecting your kidneys to help remove sugar through urine. This mechanism doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. Unlike some medications that can cause psychological or physical dependence, empagliflozin doesn't create these effects. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that empagliflozin doesn't carry this risk while managing your health condition.

Does Low have any safety warnings?

Empagliflozin has important safety warnings you should know about. This medication can increase your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood. This can happen even when your blood sugar is normal, especially if you miss insulin doses or get sick. If you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or breathing problems, get emergency help. Empagliflozin can cause dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. This may lead to low blood pressure or kidney problems. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine. Serious urinary tract infections, which are infections in the system that removes urine from your body, can occur. Watch for painful urination, fever, or back pain. Although rare, this medication can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which is a serious bacterial infection in the genital area requiring immediate medical attention. Genital yeast infections are common with empagliflozin. Regular foot care is important as this medicine may increase amputation risk in some patients. Stop taking the medicine and seek help if you develop signs of an allergic reaction.

Is it safe to stop Low?

Stopping empagliflozin suddenly can cause serious problems for your health conditions. If you're taking it for type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels might rise quickly when you stop. For heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively, or kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood, stopping could make these conditions worse. A dangerous complication called diabetic ketoacidosis might occur if you suddenly stop taking empagliflozin. This condition, which causes harmful acids to build up in your blood, can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and breathing problems. This risk continues for several days after stopping the medication. Always talk with your doctor before stopping empagliflozin. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health.

How do I dispose of Low?

If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.

What are Low possible harms and risks?

Possible adverse effects include:

• Bone marrow suppression (e.g., leukopenia, agranulocytosis).
• Elevated liver enzymes.
• Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and abdominal pain.
• Neurological symptoms in patients treated for neurocysticercosis due to inflammatory reactions