Banocide Forte 100 mg

What is Banocide Forte 100 mg? 

Banocide Forte 100mg is a drug used to treat different kinds of worm infections in humans. 

It is a highly trusted Anthelmintic for treating diseases like Filariasis. 

The active component in the medicine is Diethylcarbamazine.

It causes Phagocytosis of the Filarial worms resulting in their death. 

GSK PLC manufactures the drug. 

Banocide Forte 100 mg Uses

Banocide Forte 100mg has its efficiency against some of the severe worm infestations.

It aids in treating several worm infections, such as, 

• Bancroft’s Filariasis- A condition where worm infestation causes swelling of the legs, arms, genitals etc
• River Blindness- A parasitic infestation causing damage to the eyes and skin
• Loiasis- Nematode infection affecting the skin and eyes
• Eosinophilic lung- An inflammatory condition of the lung
• Toxocariasis- Infection causing cyst formation in the eyes

Working of the drug 

The drug consists of Diethylcarbamazine as its active ingredient. It has been categorized as a small molecule systemic antihelminthic. 

The pharmacological activity of Banocide Forte is attributed to the presence of Diethylcarbamazine. This molecule acts in different ways on different worms. 

Diethylcarbamazine inhibits enzymes like Cholinesterase and Lipoxygenase in the worms that affect the body.

The drug also affects the muscles and decreases their activity. 

This way, the Filariae is immobilized, facilitating the Phagocytic action of the immune system.

Banocide Forte 100 mg Dosage

You must use Banocide Forte carefully, precisely as per the instructions of a physician. 

The correct dosage regimen is essential for achieving its full efficacy. 

The duration of treatment varies in different disease conditions.

• In the case of Filariasis- It is given for 14 days in divided doses every day. The tablet is to be taken after meals. During the first 2-3 days of treatment, the drug is given in small doses, increasing the strength. The dose is usually half the adult dose in children below ten years.
• In tropical Eosinophilia- The duration of therapy is 21 days. Repeat the treatment if symptoms return.
• Asymptomatic carriers- Banocide Forte is given until the dose reaches 72mg/kg. It is sometimes given in divided doses over six months to 12 months.

Take medicine and do not chew, crush or break it.

You should drink plenty of water to reduce the acidification of urine.  You must complete the period of treatment. Do not skip doses as it will hamper the efficacy.

Side effects

A few minor Banocide Forte side effects are seen during the treatment period, such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Localized Oedema- like swollen glands in the neck region
• Rashes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vertigo- loss of balance
• Seizures- in those with a history of epileptic conditions
• Myalgia- pain in the muscles
• Arthralgia- pain in the joints
• Rashes in a different areas
• Abdominal pain
• Anorexia- abnormally low body weight

Interactions 

Drug Interactions 

There are specific drug interactions with Banocide Forte 100 mg that one must look out for:

• Anti-malarial drugs- Banocide Forte is found to interact with Anti-malarial drugs causing unwanted effects
• Acetazolamide- There is a significant interaction of Banocide Forte 100 mg and Acetazolamide, which can be potentially harmful to the patient

There are many interactions with drugs that can cause the serum concentration of Banocide Forte 100 mg tab to either reduce or reach toxic levels. 

Disease Interactions

Banocide Forte tablet 100 mg is not recommended use for patients suffering from or with a history of 

• Seizures
• Eye complications
• Severe renal issues
• Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
• Enlarged Prostate
• Difficulty Urinating
• Asthma attack

When to avoid taking this drug

The drug is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity- the drug is to be avoided in case of an excessive allergic response to Diethylcarbamazine or any other ingredients present in Banocide Forte
• This medication contains lactose. Those with lactose intolerance and related problems are advised against consuming it. 
• Those having Epileptic symptoms are advised not to take this medication. Dose adjustment is made under such circumstances
• It is highly recommended to avoid driving while taking the medicine as there are increased chances of feeling drowsy
• There are increased chances of accidents while operating heavy machinery; avoid it completely

Precautions

Be aware of the below-mentioned precautions to prevent unnecessary reactions:

• Pregnancy- Banocide Forte is not to be used during any stages of pregnancy. The fetus is severely affected by this medication. It is recommended that she starts treatment after parturition (giving birth).
• Lactation- no proper records show secretion of the active drug molecule into the breast milk. However, the nursing mother should not take this medication or is recommended not to breastfeed while under treatment.
• Alcohol- any interaction with alcohol is not known. Nonetheless, avoid alcohol consumption so that the side effects are not enhanced.

Storage

Some simple storage instructions for Banocide Forte are mentioned below:

• Keep the strip closely packed and away from moisture. 
• Direct sunlight should not be allowed to fall on the tablets for prolonged periods.
• The ideal condition to store is room temperature between 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this medication habit forming?

No, Banocide Forte does not possess any habit-forming properties.

How long should I take this medication?

The duration of treatment with Banocide Forte depends on the type and severity of the worm infestation. Your doctor will decide. 

For example, Filariasis requires therapy for 14 continuous days.

Is Banocide Forte a steroid?

No, Banocide Forte 100 mg tablet is not a steroid. It consists of Diethylcarbamazine as its ingredient and is used to treat worm infections.