Active ingredient: Albendazole

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Albendazole uses


1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Albendazole is an anthelmintic drug indicated for:

1.1 Neurocysticercosis

Albendazole is indicated for the treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.

1.2 Hydatid Disease

Albendazole is indicated for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Patients weighing 60 kg or greater, 400 mg twice daily; less than 60 kg, 15 mg/kg/day in divided doses twice daily. Albendazole tablets and Albendazole chewable tablets should be taken with food. (2)


See additional important information in the Full Prescribing Information. (2)

2.1 Dosage

Dosing of Albendazole will vary depending upon the indication. Albendazole tablets may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water. Albendazole chewable tablets are also available for children and patients who may experience swallowing difficulties. Albendazole tablets and Albendazole chewable tablets should be taken with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Indication Patient Weight Dose Duration
Hydatid Disease 60 kg or greater 400 mg twice daily, with meals 28-day cycle followed by a 14-day albendazole-free interval, for a total of 3 cycles
Less than 60 kg 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg)
Neurocysticercosis 60 kg or greater 400 mg twice daily, with meals 8 to 30 days
Less than 60 kg 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg)

2.2 Concomitant Medication to Avoid Adverse Reactions

Patients being treated for neurocysticercosis should receive appropriate steroid and anticonvulsant therapy as required. Oral or intravenous corticosteroids should be considered to prevent cerebral hypertensive episodes during the first week of treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ].

2.3 Monitoring for Safety Before and During Treatment

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3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Albendazole is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole class of compounds or any components of Albendazole.

Patients with known hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole class of compounds or any components of Albendazole.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Bone Marrow Suppression

Fatalities associated with the use of Albendazole have been reported due to granulocytopenia or pancytopenia Albendazole may cause bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia, and agranulocytosis. Monitor blood counts at the beginning of each 28-day cycle of therapy, and every 2 weeks while on therapy with Albendazole in all patients. Patients with liver disease and patients with hepatic echinococcosis are at increased risk for bone marrow suppression and warrant more frequent monitoring of blood counts. Discontinue Albendazole if clinically significant decreases in blood cell counts occur.

5.2 Teratogenic Effects

Albendazole may cause fetal harm and should not be used in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative management is appropriate. Obtain pregnancy test prior to prescribing Albendazole to women of reproductive potential. Advise women of reproductive potential to use effective birth control for the duration of Albendazole therapy and for one month after end of therapy. Immediately discontinue Albendazole if a patient becomes pregnant and apprise the patient of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations ].

5.3 Risk of Neurologic Symptoms in Neurocysticercosis

Patients being treated for neurocysticercosis should receive steroid and anticonvulsant therapy to prevent neurological symptoms (e.g. seizures, increased intracranial pressure and focal signs) as a result of an inflammatory reaction caused by death of the parasite within the brain.

5.4 Risk of Retinal Damage in Patients with Retinal Neurocysticercosis

Cysticercosis may involve the retina. Before initiating therapy for neurocysticercosis, examine the patient for the presence of retinal lesions. If such lesions are visualized, weigh the need for anticysticeral therapy against the possibility of retinal damage resulting from inflammatory damage caused by ALBENZA-induced death of the parasite.

5.5 Hepatic Effects

In clinical trials, treatment with Albendazole has been associated with mild to moderate elevations of hepatic enzymes in approximately 16% of patients. These elevations have generally returned to normal upon discontinuation of therapy. There have also been case reports of acute liver failure of uncertain causality and hepatitis [see Adverse Reactions ].

Monitor liver enzymes (transaminases) before the start of each treatment cycle and at least every 2 weeks during treatment. If hepatic enzymes exceed twice the upper limit of normal, consideration should be given to discontinuing Albendazole therapy based on individual patient circumstances. Restarting Albendazole treatment in patients whose hepatic enzymes have normalized off treatment is an individual decision that should take into account the risk/benefit of further Albendazole usage. Perform laboratory tests frequently if Albendazole treatment is restarted.

Patients with elevated liver enzyme test results are at increased risk for hepatotoxicity and bone marrow suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Discontinue therapy if liver enzymes are significantly increased or if clinically significant decreases in blood cell counts occur.

5.6 Unmasking of Neurocysticercosis in Hydatid Patients

Undiagnosed neurocysticercosis may be uncovered in patients treated with Albendazole for other conditions. Patients with epidemiologic factors who are at risk for neurocysticercosis should be evaluated prior to initiation of therapy.

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6 ADVERSE REACTIONS


To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amedra Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-888-894-6528 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The adverse reaction profile of Albendazole differs between hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis. Adverse reactions occurring with a frequency of 1% or greater in either disease are described in Table 2 below.

These symptoms were usually mild and resolved without treatment. Treatment discontinuations were predominantly due to leukopenia (0.7%) or hepatic abnormalities (3.8% in hydatid disease). The following incidence reflects adverse reactions that were reported to be at least possibly or probably related to Albendazole.

Adverse Reaction Hydatid Disease Neurocysticercosis
Gastrointestinal
Abdominal Pain 6 0
Nausea 4 6
Vomiting 4 6
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fever 1 0
Investigations
Elevated Hepatic Enzymes 16 less than 1
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness 1 less than 1
Headache 1 11
Meningeal Signs 0 1
Raised Intracranial Pressure 0 2
Vertigo 1 less than 1
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Reversible Alopecia 2 less than 1

The following adverse events were observed at an incidence of less than 1%:

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: There have been reports of leukopenia, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, or thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash and urticaria.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Albendazole. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Aplastic anemia, bone marrow suppression, neutropenia.

Eye Disorders: Vision blurred.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diarrhea.

General System Disorders: Asthenia.

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Elevations of hepatic enzymes, hepatitis, acute liver failure.

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Rhabdomyolysis.

Nervous System Disorders: Somnolence, convulsion.

Renal and Urinary Disorders: Acute renal failure.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

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7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

7.1 Dexamethasone

Steady-state trough concentrations of Albendazole sulfoxide were about 56% higher when 8 mg dexamethasone was co-administered with each dose of Albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) in 8 neurocysticercosis patients.

7.2 Praziquantel

In the fed state, praziquantel increased mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve of Albendazole sulfoxide by about 50% in healthy subjects (n = 10) compared with a separate group of subjects (n = 6) given Albendazole alone. Mean Tmax and mean plasma elimination half-life of Albendazole sulfoxide were unchanged. The pharmacokinetics of praziquantel were unchanged following co-administration with Albendazole (400 mg).

7.3 Cimetidine

Albendazole sulfoxide concentrations in bile and cystic fluid were increased (about 2-fold) in hydatid cyst patients treated with cimetidine (10 mg/kg/day) (n = 7) compared with Albendazole (20 mg/kg/day) alone (n = 12). Albendazole sulfoxide plasma concentrations were unchanged 4 hours after dosing.

7.4 Theophylline

Following a single dose of Albendazole (400 mg), the pharmacokinetics of theophylline (aminophylline 5.8 mg/kg infused over 20 minutes) were unchanged. Albendazole induces cytochrome P450 1A in human hepatoma cells; therefore, it is recommended that plasma concentrations of theophylline be monitored during and after treatment.

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8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Albendazole administration in pregnant women. Albendazole should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Albendazole should not be used in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative management is appropriate. Obtain pregnancy test prior to prescribing Albendazole to women of reproductive potential. Advise women of reproductive potential to use effective birth control for the duration of Albendazole therapy and for one month after end of therapy. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, Albendazole should be discontinued immediately. If pregnancy occurs while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Albendazole has been shown to be teratogenic in pregnant rats and rabbits. The teratogenic response in the rat was shown at oral doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg/day (0.10 times and 0.32 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m2, respectively) during gestation days 6 to 15 and in pregnant rabbits at oral doses of 30 mg/kg/day (0.60 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m2) administered during gestation days 7 to 19. In the rabbit study, maternal toxicity (33% mortality) was noted at 30 mg/kg/day. In mice, no teratogenic effects were observed at oral doses up to 30 mg/kg/day (0.16 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m2), administered during gestation days 6 to 15.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Albendazole is excreted in animal milk. It is not known whether it is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Albendazole is administered to a nursing woman.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Hydatid disease is uncommon in infants and young children. In neurocysticercosis, the efficacy of Albendazole in children appears to be similar to that in adults.

8.5 Geriatric Use

In patients aged 65 and older with either hydatid disease or neurocysticercosis, there was insufficient data to determine whether the safety and effectiveness of Albendazole is different from that of younger patients.

8.6 Patients with Impaired Renal Function

The pharmacokinetics of Albendazole in patients with impaired renal function has not been studied.

8.7 Patients with Extra-Hepatic Obstruction

In patients with evidence of extrahepatic obstruction (n = 5), the systemic availability of Albendazole sulfoxide was increased, as indicated by a 2-fold increase in maximum serum concentration and a 7-fold increase in area under the curve. The rate of absorption/conversion and elimination of Albendazole sulfoxide appeared to be prolonged with mean Tmax and serum elimination half-life values of 10 hours and 31.7 hours, respectively. Plasma concentrations of parent Albendazole were measurable in only 1 of 5 patients.

10 OVERDOSAGE

In case of overdosage, symptomatic therapy and general supportive measures are recommended.

11 DESCRIPTION

Albendazole (albendazole) is an orally administered anthelmintic drug. Chemically, it is methyl 5-(propylthio)-2-benzimidazolecarbamate. Its molecular formula is C12H15N3O2S. Its molecular weight is 265.34. It has the following chemical structure:

Albendazole is a white to yellowish powder. It is freely soluble in anhydrous formic acid and very slightly soluble in ether and in methylene chloride. Albendazole is practically insoluble in alcohol and in water.

Tablets

Each white to off-white, circular, biconvex, bevel-edged film coated, TILTAB tablet is debossed with “ap” and “550” and contains 200 mg of Albendazole.

Inactive ingredients consist of: carnauba wax, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium saccharin, sodium starch glycolate, and starch.

Chewable Tablets

Each round, mottled pink, concave chewable tablet is debossed with “ap” above “551” and contains 200 mg of Albendazole.

Inactive ingredients consist of: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, D-mannitol, sodium starch glycolate, povidone, N-C Wild Berry Type Flavor, magnesium stearate, crospovidone, polyvinyl acetate, sucralose, colloidal silicone dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, D&C Red #30/Helendon Pink Aluminum Lake.

methyl 5-(propylthio)-2-benzimidazolecarbamate

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Albendazole is a synthetic, antihelminthic drug of the class benzimidazole [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract due to its low aqueous solubility. Albendazole concentrations are negligible or undetectable in plasma as it is rapidly converted to the sulfoxide metabolite prior to reaching the systemic circulation. The systemic anthelmintic activity has been attributed to the primary metabolite, Albendazole sulfoxide. Oral bioavailability appears to be enhanced when Albendazole is coadministered with a fatty meal (estimated fat content 40 grams) as evidenced by higher (up to 5-fold on average) plasma concentrations of Albendazole sulfoxide as compared to the fasted state.

Maximal plasma concentrations of Albendazole sulfoxide were achieved 2 hours to 5 hours after dosing and were on average 1310 ng/mL (range 460 ng/mL to 1580 ng/mL) following oral doses of Albendazole (400 mg) in 6 hydatid disease patients, when administered with a fatty meal. Plasma concentrations of Albendazole sulfoxide increased in a dose-proportional manner over the therapeutic dose range following ingestion of a high-fat meal (fat content 43.1 grams). The mean apparent terminal elimination half-life of Albendazole sulfoxide ranged from 8 hours to 12 hours in 25 healthy subjects, as well as in 14 hydatid and 8 neurocysticercosis patients.

In a study conducted in 113 fed and 117 fasted healthy subjects, Albendazole chewable tablets were bioequivalent to Albendazole tablets following single 400 mg oral doses of Albendazole. In this study, the average time to reach the maximal plasma concentrations of Albendazole sulfoxide was 4.5 hours (range 2 to 10 hours) with a fatty meal (fat content 60 grams) and at 3 hours (range 1 to 5 hours) in the fasted state. Following administration of Albendazole chewable tablets, average maximal plasma concentrations of Albendazole sulfoxide were 804 ng/mL (range 202 to 2244 ng/mL) and 218 ng/mL (range 54 to 592 ng/mL) in the fed and fasted states, respectively. The apparent elimination half-life of Albendazole sulfoxide was comparable between Albendazole chewable tablets and Albendazole tablets when both were given either under fed or fasted conditions.

Following 4 weeks of treatment with Albendazole (200 mg three times daily), 12 patients’ plasma concentrations of Albendazole sulfoxide were approximately 20% lower than those observed during the first half of the treatment period, suggesting that Albendazole may induce its own metabolism.

Distribution

Albendazole sulfoxide is 70% bound to plasma protein and is widely distributed throughout the body; it has been detected in urine, bile, liver, cyst wall, cyst fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Concentrations in plasma were 3-fold to 10-fold and 2-fold to 4-fold higher than those simultaneously determined in cyst fluid and CSF, respectively.

Metabolism and Excretion

Albendazole is rapidly converted in the liver to the primary metabolite, Albendazole sulfoxide, which is further metabolized to Albendazole sulfone and other primary oxidative metabolites that have been identified in human urine. Following oral administration, Albendazole has not been detected in human urine. Urinary excretion of Albendazole sulfoxide is a minor elimination pathway with less than 1% of the dose recovered in the urine. Biliary elimination presumably accounts for a portion of the elimination as evidenced by biliary concentrations of Albendazole sulfoxide similar to those achieved in plasma.

Specific Populations

Pediatrics

Following single-dose administration of 200 mg to 300 mg (approximately 10 mg/kg) Albendazole to 3 fasted and 2 fed pediatric patients with hydatid cyst disease (age range 6 to 13 years), Albendazole sulfoxide pharmacokinetics were similar to those observed in fed adults.

Geriatrics

Although no studies have investigated the effect of age on Albendazole sulfoxide pharmacokinetics, data in 26 hydatid cyst patients (up to 79 years) suggest pharmacokinetics similar to those in young healthy subjects.

12.4 Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Albendazole binds to the colchicine-sensitive site of β-tubulin inhibiting their polymerization into microtubules. The decrease in microtubules in the intestinal cells of the parasites decreases their absorptive function, especially the uptake of glucose by the adult and larval forms of the parasites, and also depletes glycogen storage. Insufficient glucose results in insufficient energy for the production of adenosine trisphosphate (ATP) and the parasite eventually dies.

Mechanism of Resistance

Parasitic resistance to Albendazole is caused by changes in amino acids that result in changes in the β-tubulin protein. This causes reduced binding of the drug to β-tubulin.

In the specified treatment indications Albendazole appears to be active against the larval forms of the following organisms:

Echinococcus granulosus

Taenia solium

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term carcinogenicity studies were conducted in mice and rats.

No evidence of increased incidence of tumors was found in the mice or rats at up to 400 mg/kg/day or 20 mg/kg/day respectively (2 times and 0.2 times the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis).

In genotoxicity tests, Albendazole was found negative in an Ames Salmonella/Microsome Plate mutation assay, Chinese Hamster Ovary chromosomal aberration test, and in vivo mouse micronucleus test. In the in vitro BALB/3T3 cells transformation assay, Albendazole produced weak activity in the presence of metabolic activation while no activity was found in the absence of metabolic activation.

Albendazole did not adversely affect male or female fertility in the rat at an oral dose of 30 mg/kg/day (0.32 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area in mg/m2).

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

16.1 How Supplied

Tablets

Each white to off-white, circular, biconvex, bevel-edged film coated, TILTAB tablet is debossed with “ap” and “550” and contains 200 mg of Albendazole.

Bottles of 2 Tablets NDC 52054-550-22

Bottles of 28 Tablets NDC 52054-550-28

Chewable Tablets

Each round, mottled pink, concave chewable tablet is debossed with “ap” above “551” and contains 200 mg of Albendazole.

2 Tablets in 1 Blister Pack NDC 52054-551-22

6 Tablets in 1 Blister Pack; 2 Blister Packs in 1 Carton NDC 52054-551-12

16.2 Storage and Handling

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Patients should be advised that:


Albendazole and TILTAB are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline, used with permission.

Distributed by:

Amedra Pharmaceuticals LLC

Horsham, PA 19044

LB# 799-04

Albendazole 2 count Albendazole 28 count

Albendazole available forms, composition, doses:

Price
Albendazole powder0.41 USD
Albenza 200 mg tablet1.91 USD
Suspension; Oral; Albendazole 100 mg / 5 ml
Tablets, Chewable; Oral; Albendazole 400 mg
Tablets, Film-Coated; Oral; Albendazole 400 mg
Tablets; Oral; Albendazole 400 mg

Indications and Usages:

ATC codes:


ICD-10 codes:


Albendazole destination | category:


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Drugs with same active ingredients (Pharmaceutical companies):


References

  1. Dailymed."ALBENZA (ALBENDAZOLE) TABLET, FILM COATED ALBENZA (ALBENDAZOLE) TABLET, CHEWABLE [AMEDRA PHARMACEUTICALS LLC]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
  2. Dailymed."ALBENDAZOLE: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
  3. "albendazole". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/co... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Can i drive or operate heavy machine after consuming Albendazole?

Depending on the reaction of the Albendazole after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Albendazole not safe to drive or operate heavy machine after consumption. Meaning that, do not drive or operate heavy duty machines after taking the capsule if the capsule has a strange reaction on your body like dizziness, drowsiness. As prescribed by a pharmacist, it is dangerous to take alcohol while taking medicines as it exposed patients to drowsiness and health risk. Please take note of such effect most especially when taking Primosa capsule. It's advisable to consult your doctor on time for a proper recommendation and medical consultations.

Is Albendazole addictive or habit forming?

Medicines are not designed with the mind of creating an addiction or abuse on the health of the users. Addictive Medicine is categorically called Controlled substances by the government. For instance, Schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the US are controlled substances.

Please consult the medicine instruction manual on how to use and ensure it is not a controlled substance.In conclusion, self medication is a killer to your health. Consult your doctor for a proper prescription, recommendation, and guidiance.

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Review

sdrugs.com conducted a study on Albendazole, and the result of the survey is set out below. It is noteworthy that the product of the survey is based on the perception and impressions of the visitors of the website as well as the views of Albendazole consumers. We, as a result of this, advice that you do not base your therapeutic or medical decisions on this result, but rather consult your certified medical experts for their recommendations.

Visitor reports

Visitor reported useful

No survey data has been collected yet

Visitor reported side effects

No survey data has been collected yet

Visitor reported price estimates

No survey data has been collected yet

Three visitors reported frequency of use

How often in a day do you take the medicine?
Are you taking the Albendazole drug as prescribed by the doctor?

Few medications can be taken Twice in a day more than prescribed when the doctor's advice mentions the medicine can be taken according to frequency or severity of symptoms. Most times, be very careful and clear about the number of times you are taking the medication. The report of sdrugs.com website users about the frequency of taking the drug Albendazole is mentioned below.
Visitors%
Twice in a day2
66.7%
4 times in a day1
33.3%

Two visitors reported doses

What is the dose of Albendazole drug you are taking?
According to the survey conducted among sdrugs.com website users, the maximum number of people are using the following dose 201-500mg. Few medications come in only one or two doses. Few are specific for adult dose and child dose. The dose of the medicine given to the patient depends on the severity of the symptom/disease. There can be dose adjustments made by the doctor, based on the progression of the disease. Follow-up is important.
Visitors%
201-500mg2
100.0%

Visitor reported time for results

No survey data has been collected yet

Two visitors reported administration

The drugs are administered in various routes, like oral or injection form. They are administered before food or after food. How are you taking Albendazole drug, before food or after food?
Click here to find out how other users of our website are taking it. For any doubts or queries on how and when the medicine is administered, contact your health care provider immediately.
Visitors%
Empty stomach1
50.0%
After food1
50.0%

Five visitors reported age

Visitors%
1-53
60.0%
> 601
20.0%
16-291
20.0%

Visitor reviews


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The information was verified by Dr. Rachana Salvi, MD Pharmacology

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