Alpin DS

Quick links to important sections

Alpin DS

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Alpin DS

Property Description
Active Ingredient Albendazole
Form Chewable tablets, oral suspension
Pharmacological Class Anthelmintic agent, Benzimidazole derivative
Common Use Treatment of parasitic worm infestations (Helminthiasis)
Origin Synthetic chemical compound

What Type of Medicine is Alpin DS?

Alpin DS is defined as a prescription medication that functions as a broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent in antiparasitic chemotherapy. The primary purpose of this drug is to combat and eliminate a variety of parasitic worm infestations (helminthiasis) throughout the body. The medication contains a single active ingredient, Albendazole, which is a synthetically produced compound.

The drug is supplied for oral administration, typically as chewable tablets or an oral suspension, offering flexible intake options for patients, which is a differentiating feature for pediatric groups. Albendazole is an anti-parasitic prescription medicine approved for treating specific parasitic infections.

Composition and Pharmacological Classification

The therapeutic efficacy of Alpin DS is derived exclusively from the Albendazole component. This substance is chemically categorized as a Benzimidazole derivative, a chemical class known for its potent anti-parasitic properties. Albendazole is widely recognized on essential medicine lists, confirming its established role in global parasitic disease management.

The Core Action of Albendazole

The general principle of Albendazole's effectiveness stems from its targeted action against the parasite's cellular structure. It works by interfering with the parasite's ability to build essential internal supports, specifically through inhibiting tubulin polymerization. This mechanism causes degenerative changes and severely compromises the parasite's metabolic functions, including the uptake of glucose. This depletion of energy leads directly to the immobilization and death of the parasite, achieving the general benefit of clearing the parasitic burden from the host.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Albendazole Information

What side effects are possible with Alpin DS?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official regulatory documentation for Albendazole, the active substance in Alpin DS, organizes potential adverse reactions according to the physiological system affected and the established frequency. This framework highlights the medicine's specific safety profile, which primarily involves the Hepatobiliary System and the Blood and Lymphatic System.


Adverse Reaction Classification

Adverse effects are categorized by frequency as listed in regulatory documents:

  • Common: Adverse reactions that are frequently documented include headache, abdominal pain, and elevations in liver enzyme levels (transaminases). These hepatic changes are often observed more frequently at the beginning of treatment.
  • Uncommon: Reactions such as hypersensitivity reactions, rash, and urticaria are listed in this category.
  • Very Rare: Severe but rare conditions such as aplastic anemia, pancytopenia (severe reduction in blood cells), and severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome are documented as serious adverse reactions.

Key Safety Constraints

The regulatory safety profile includes specific constraints regarding the medicine's use. The active substance is generally contraindicated during pregnancy, and official labeling requires women of childbearing potential to use effective contraception during and for a period after treatment. Caution is also advised for individuals with pre-existing hepatic disease due to the potential for increased liver enzyme elevations. The safety profile notes that alopecia (hair loss), when it occurs, is typically described as reversible upon discontinuation.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for an overdose of Alpin DS (Albendazole) highlights the risk of severe, systemic toxicity, in addition to common acute manifestations. Acute signs may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness. The most serious outcomes documented in official sources are centered on life-threatening toxicity to the blood and liver. This includes the potential for bone marrow suppression (e.g., pancytopenia) and acute liver failure, which are documented severe complications.

Regulatory guidance mandates seeking immediate medical attention by contacting emergency services or a Poison Control Helpline if an overdose is suspected. Urgent help is specifically required if the exposed person exhibits severe symptoms such as collapse, seizure, or difficulty breathing. Patients with pre-existing liver disease face an increased risk of severe toxicity and require close monitoring.

Since no specific antidote is known, regulatory authorities advise that management should focus on symptomatic and supportive treatment. Procedural steps such as gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal may be considered. Critical monitoring involves checking Complete Blood Counts (CBC) and Liver Enzymes (Transaminases) due to the risk of severe hematological and hepatic harm.

Therapeutic Uses of Alpin DS

What Alpin DS Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

This medicine is generally classified as an antihistamine, a category of compounds applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. The medicine is commonly used to help with symptoms related to heightened physiological activity that cause distress. The medicine is relevant across conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort, particularly those associated with inflammatory or irritative processes.

“The medication is considered relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate, assisting patients by contributing to easing the overall symptom load during periods where multiple symptoms occur together.”

Alpin DS may assist with symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive and create noticeable functional strain. It is applied across conditions involving recurrent or episodic manifestations characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, offering support that helps ease the overall symptom burden.

Quick Fact: Relevant for Symptoms that Interfere with Daily Functioning

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Alpin DS is restricted to specific patient populations as defined by regulatory labeling. The medicine is generally approved for use in adults and children over 2 years of age for the treatment of documented parasitic infections.

Absolute Contraindications formally prohibit its use in pregnant women and in individuals with a known history of hypersensitivity to Albendazole or any medicine belonging to the benzimidazole class.

Age-based restrictions advise against use in children under 2 years old due to limited safety data. Experience in patients 65 years of age or older is limited, and its use in this group requires caution, particularly if hepatic dysfunction is suspected.

Conditional Eligibility applies to patients with certain pre-existing conditions. Use requires caution and close observation in those with active liver disease, abnormal Liver Function Test results, or conditions affecting the bone marrow. Women of child-bearing potential must undergo a negative pregnancy test before treatment and must use effective contraception during and for a period following therapy. Additionally, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of Alpin DS is based on its active ingredient, Albendazole, and involves several known pharmacokinetic interactions where the presence of other medicines can change the concentration of the active drug metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, in the body. Altering these drug levels can potentially affect the safety or effectiveness of treatment.

Clinically significant interactions have been reported with the following medicines:

  • Dexamethasone: Concomitant use with this corticosteroid has been shown to increase the steady-state trough concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide in the plasma. This effect may result in a higher systemic exposure to the active drug.
  • Praziquantel: Taking this other antiparasitic drug alongside Alpin DS has been observed to raise the maximum plasma concentration and overall exposure of albendazole sulfoxide.
  • Cimetidine: This medication, used for reducing stomach acid, can increase the concentration of albendazole sulfoxide found in the bile and cystic fluid.
  • Theophylline: Albendazole may induce a specific liver enzyme (Cytochrome P450 1A) that is involved in metabolizing theophylline, a medicine for asthma. Healthcare monitoring of theophylline plasma concentrations is recommended during and after treatment with Alpin DS to manage potential changes in its effect.

Patients should provide a complete list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements to a healthcare professional before starting treatment to review for potential interactions.

Mechanism of Action

How Alpin DS Works

The action of Alpin DS, which contains Albendazole, involves a two-part mechanism targeting the structural and metabolic machinery of parasitic organisms.


Selective Microtubule Integrity Disruption

The drug's active form functions as a selective inhibitor by binding with high affinity to the parasite's beta-tubulin subunits. This interaction blocks the assembly of tubulin into functional microtubules, initiating rapid and widespread degenerative changes in the parasite's intestinal (tegumental) cells. The mechanism results in the dismantling of the parasite's internal scaffolding; this structural interference occurs independent of primary neural pathway modulation.


Energy Metabolism Shutdown and Functional Collapse

The structural damage caused by microtubule destruction immediately compromises the parasite’s membrane transport mechanisms, severely inhibiting its ability to absorb glucose and vital nutrients. The resulting interruption of energy acquisition rapidly depletes the organism's ATP and glycogen stores. This depletion of energy results in functional paralysis and subsequent systemic collapse. This process produces parasitic death via irreversible metabolic failure.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Alpin DS

Alpin DS (Albendazole) administration is defined by guidelines emphasizing precise dosage, frequency, and conditions of intake. The medicine is approved for oral administration only and is typically supplied as a 200 mg tablet or chewable tablet. The administration route and form are standardized for patient use.


Dosing and Schedule Protocol

The usage protocol mandates that the dose must be taken twice daily (BID). The total daily dose is calculated based on body weight, establishing a standardized regimen for patients:

Patient Group Daily Dosing Regimen (Divided Doses) Maximum Daily Dose
Adults ≥ 60 kg 400 mg per dose 800 mg
Adults < 60 kg & Pediatric 15 mg/kg/day in two doses 800 mg

For major indications, treatment follows specific time patterns. The regimen for Hydatid Disease requires a 28-day treatment cycle followed by a 14-day drug-free interval, repeated for a total of three cycles. Conversely, Neurocysticercosis requires continuous treatment lasting from 8 to 30 days.


Administration Requirements

Instructions require the medicine to be taken with food, preferably a fatty meal, as this enhances the oral bioavailability of Albendazole. For patients who have difficulty swallowing, the tablets may be crushed or chewed and then consumed with water. Dosing adjustments are not generally required for renal impairment, but patients with known hepatic dysfunction must be evaluated prior to and during treatment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Alpin DS: Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Use in Intestinal Worm Infections

Research for Alpin DS has explored study parameters related to common intestinal parasitic worm infestations (Soil-Transmitted Helminths). The evidence base consists of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and scientific meta-analyses that examined outcomes such as Cure Rate (CR) and Egg Reduction Rates (ERR) in affected populations, primarily school-aged children. Studies reported measurements of clearance rates for Roundworm and Hookworm infections. However, data show patterns of lower measured cure rates for Whipworm, even as parasite load changes were noted for this species in the observed populations. Consistency of outcomes across all possible dosing schedules is not fully documented.

Evidence for Use in Systemic and Tissue Infections

Research has explored the study parameters for complex, tissue-invasive infections like Neurocysticercosis and Echinococcosis through Comparative Clinical Trials. These studies focused on assessing outcomes related to cyst resolution, lesion disappearance, and functional measures such as seizure frequency. Some studies reported measurements of cyst reduction when the medicine was evaluated alongside concurrent treatments. Because treatment protocols often require co-medication (such as anti-inflammatory agents), the independent contribution of this medicine to patient outcomes is not solely characterized by the existing research.

Research Gaps and Limitations

The majority of intestinal research relied on short follow-up durations, meaning long-term effects are not fully established regarding the maintenance of parasite clearance. Data for specific populations, such as older adults, remain insufficient, although the medicine was evaluated in both adult and pediatric cohorts. Additionally, research has noted instances where patient absorption of the medicine showed variability, which implies that study findings reflect group patterns but not individual predictions regarding the response to treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Alpin DS (FAQ)

Q: Does Alpin DS help with pain in the joints and muscles?

A: According to the official product information, Alpin DS is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain associated with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. This means that regulatory documents support its use for reducing symptoms related to this specific type of joint pain. Its approved purpose is defined by the regulatory indication.

Q: Can I take Alpin DS if I have trouble swallowing capsules or pills?

A: Regulatory information indicates that Alpin DS is available in a powder for oral solution format. This formulation is designed to be dissolved in water and consumed as a drink. The availability of this powder formulation addresses the need for an alternative delivery method when tablets or capsules are not suitable.

Q: What is the typical timeframe before I notice any benefits from Alpin DS?

A: Studies and official information indicate that the symptomatic effect of Alpin DS may not be immediate. Regulatory documents suggest that a noticeable improvement in symptoms usually appears after several weeks of continuous treatment. Official documentation often cites a timeframe of at least four weeks before beneficial effects are typically observed.

Q: Is Alpin DS intended for long-term use?

A: The official product information states that Alpin DS is intended for long-term symptomatic treatment. This suggests that the medicine is designed for continuous administration rather than short, acute periods. The long-term nature of the treatment aligns with its indication for managing chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.

Q: What is the source of the active ingredient in Alpin DS?

A: According to regulatory sources, the active ingredient in Alpin DS is Glucosamine. Specifically, it is sourced as Glucosamine sulfate from shellfish. This detail confirms the biological origin of the primary component responsible for the medicine's therapeutic action.

How should Alpin DS be stored and disposed of?

Regulatory requirements define the precise conditions for storing and disposing of all medicinal products. The drug product must be stored within the temperature limits and under the environmental conditions (e.g., protection from moisture or light) specified on the official label, which are established during stability testing.

All medicines must be kept in their original container, and storage areas should be clean, dry, and secure. If the label requires refrigeration or specifies a short in-use stability period after reconstitution or opening, those instructions must be followed precisely. To prevent accidental ingestion, the medication must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal must adhere to local environmental and health regulations. The product should not be flushed down a toilet or poured down a drain unless the product label explicitly authorizes it. Specific procedures are required for the disposal of expired or damaged stock, and for certain delivery systems, the label may contain special instructions to mitigate the risk of accidental exposure after use.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Alpin DS found in:

A-Z Index: