Unibrol Tablets (Aminosidine 250mg) 24 tabs in Kenya

 

UNIBROL TABS come in a pack of 24 tablets. Each tablet contains Aminosidine 250mg, also known as Paromomycin Sulphate. This oral aminoglycoside antibiotic effectively treats intestinal protozoal infections in Kenya. These infections include amoebiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis. Doctors have also explored its use parenterally for visceral leishmaniasis and topically for cutaneous leishmaniasis. While used for tapeworm infection, it is not typically the first-choice treatment. Additionally, doctors use it to suppress intestinal flora before surgery and in managing hepatic encephalopathy. UNIBROL TABS are a prescription-only medication.

 

Unpacking the Formulation: Key Component and its Mechanism

 

Aminosidine, or Paromomycin, is an antibiotic. It specifically targets various single-celled organisms and certain bacteria.

• Aminosidine (Paromomycin Sulphate – 250mg):
  • Class: Aminoglycoside Antibiotic.
  • Mechanism of Action: Paromomycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis. It acts within susceptible bacteria and protozoa. It binds to the 16S ribosomal RNA (specifically at the A site of the 30S ribosomal subunit). This binding causes misreading of the mRNA genetic code. This leads to the production of defective or non-functional proteins. Ultimately, this results in the death of the microorganism. Paromomycin is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, it primarily acts locally within the intestines. This characteristic makes it highly effective for treating intestinal infections.

 

Addressing Health Concerns and User Needs

 

Unibrol Tablets address various infectious diseases. Protozoa and specific bacteria, mainly within the digestive system, cause these.

• Targeted Protozoal Treatment: It effectively treats common intestinal protozoal infections. These include amoebiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis.
• Support for Liver Conditions: It helps manage hepatic encephalopathy. It does this by reducing ammonia-producing bacteria in the gut.
• Pre-operative Bowel Preparation: Doctors use it to suppress intestinal bacteria before certain surgeries. This reduces the risk of post-operative infections.
• Convenient Tablet Form: The tablet form offers convenience for many adult patients.

 

Identifying Indications for Use

 

UNIBROL TABS (Aminosidine 250mg) are a prescription-only medication. Doctors indicate them for:

• Intestinal Protozoal Infections: This includes amoebiasis (intestinal forms), cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis.
• Adjunctive Therapy for Hepatic Encephalopathy: It reduces ammonia-forming bacteria in the intestines.
• Suppression of Intestinal Flora: Doctors use it as a pre-operative measure for bowel surgery.
• Tapeworm Infections: While effective, it is not always the primary choice for treating infections like Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm) or Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm).
• Leishmaniasis (Off-label/Investigational Use): Doctors have tried it systemically for visceral leishmaniasis and topically for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

 

Primary Uses

 

The primary uses of UNIBROL TABS 250mg include:

• Eliminating intestinal protozoa, thereby treating infections like amoebiasis and giardiasis.
• Reducing harmful bacteria in the gut to manage hepatic encephalopathy.
• Preparing the bowel for specific surgical procedures.

 

Understanding Potential Side Effects and Critical Precautions

 

While Unibrol Tablets are an effective antibiotic, patients should be aware of their potential side effects and necessary precautions.

 

Common Side Effects (Generally Mild and often resolve)

 

• Gastrointestinal disturbances: These commonly include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These often occur due to the drug’s local action in the gut.
• Loss of appetite.
• Headache.

 

Less Common but More Serious Side Effects (Requiring Immediate Medical Attention)

 

• Severe Diarrhea: This could be watery or bloody. It may indicate a serious gut infection, such as Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Report this immediately to a healthcare professional.
• Allergic Reactions: Signs include rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
• Kidney Problems (Nephrotoxicity): This is more likely with systemic absorption (e.g., if bowel lesions are present) or with high doses/prolonged use. Symptoms may include changes in urine amount or color, or unusual weakness.
• Hearing Changes (Ototoxicity): Aminoglycosides can damage hearing. This risk increases with systemic absorption, prolonged use, or pre-existing kidney/hearing issues. Symptoms include dizziness, ringing in ears, or hearing loss.
• Overgrowth of Non-susceptible Organisms: Prolonged use can sometimes lead to new bacterial or fungal infections (e.g., oral or vaginal candidiasis) due to changes in normal flora.

 

Critical Safety Warnings and Precautions for UNIBROL TABS (Aminosidine)

 

UNIBROL TABS (Aminosidine) are a prescription-only medication. A qualified physician MUST strictly supervise its use.

 

Contraindications and High-Risk Patients

 

• Intestinal Obstruction: Do not use if intestinal obstruction is present. This can increase systemic absorption and toxicity.
• Allergy: Avoid use if you have a known allergy to paromomycin or any other aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., neomycin, gentamicin).
• Kidney Disease: Use with great caution in patients with kidney impairment. Systemic absorption can occur, increasing the risk of kidney and ear damage. Monitor kidney function closely.
• Liver Disease: Use with care in patients with severe liver disease or hepatic encephalopathy. Although used for hepatic encephalopathy, monitor closely for systemic effects if liver function is severely compromised.
• Hearing Impairment: Exercise extreme caution in patients with pre-existing hearing loss. The risk of ototoxicity increases.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Patients with ulcerative colitis or other inflammatory bowel conditions may have increased systemic absorption. This increases the risk of toxicity.

 

Administration and Monitoring

 

• Oral Use Only: The tablets are for oral administration for intestinal infections. Parenteral use is typically for specific leishmaniasis treatments only, under strict medical supervision.
• Take with Meals: Administer Unibrol Tablets with meals. This helps minimize gastrointestinal upset.
• Complete the Full Course: Finish the entire prescribed course of treatment. Do not stop early, even if symptoms improve. This prevents recurrence and antibiotic resistance.
• Not for Viral Infections: Aminosidine treats bacterial and protozoal infections. It does not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu.
• Monitor Symptoms: If symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
• Hydration: Maintain good hydration, especially if experiencing diarrhea.

 

Drug Interactions

 

• Nephrotoxic and Ototoxic Drugs: Avoid concurrent use with other drugs that can cause kidney damage or hearing damage. Examples include other aminoglycosides, certain diuretics (e.g., furosemide, ethacrynic acid), amphotericin B, cisplatin. Concurrent use increases the risk of serious side effects.
• Neuromuscular Blockers: Paromomycin can enhance the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., succinylcholine). This can lead to respiratory depression. Use with extreme caution.
• Oral Contraceptives and Warfarin: Oral antibiotics can sometimes affect gut flora. This may potentially reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives or alter warfarin’s effect. Monitor as appropriate.

 

Recommended Dosage and Administration Guidelines

 

The dosage of UNIBROL TABS (Aminosidine) varies. It depends on the infection type, patient age, and weight. Always follow your doctor’s precise prescription.

• General Administration:
  • Take the tablets orally.
  • Take them with meals to reduce stomach upset.
  • Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew them unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
• Typical Adult Dosages (Examples – Varies by indication):
  • Intestinal Amoebiasis: 25 to 35 mg/kg of body weight per day. Divide this into 3 doses. Take for 5 to 10 days (often 7 days). This means for a 70kg person, roughly 1750-2450mg per day, translating to 7-10 tablets daily.
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy (Adjunctive): 4g per day, divided into regular doses, for 5-6 days. This would typically involve 16 tablets daily.
  • Giardiasis: 25-35 mg/kg/day, divided into 3 doses, for 7 days.
  • Cryptosporidiosis: 25-35 mg/kg/day, divided into 2-4 doses. Duration can vary, sometimes for 10-14 days or longer.
• Pediatric Dosage: Pediatric dosages are also weight-based. For example, for intestinal amoebiasis, 25-35 mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses.
• Duration of Treatment: The duration varies by infection. Complete the full course as prescribed.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, continue your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

 

Price in Kenya (Approximate)

 

As of Thursday, July 3, 2025, the approximate price for UNIBROL TABS | AMINOSIDINE 250mg – 24 TABS in Kenya can range from Ksh 450 to Ksh 750 per pack.

Note: Prices for prescription medications like Unibrol Tablets vary. They differ between pharmacies and online platforms in Kenya. Factors include supplier, brand, and prevailing duties or taxes. Therefore, check with specific vendors for current pricing.

 

Conclusion

 

UNIBROL TABS, containing Aminosidine (Paromomycin 250mg) in a 24-tablet pack, are an important aminoglycoside antibiotic in Kenya. They effectively treat intestinal protozoal infections such as amoebiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis. Doctors also use them to manage hepatic encephalopathy and for pre-operative intestinal flora suppression. As a prescription-only medication, its use requires careful medical supervision. Patients must strictly follow the prescribed dosage and complete the full course. They should also be aware of potential gastrointestinal side effects and the rare but serious risks of kidney and hearing damage, especially with increased systemic absorption or co-administration with other toxic drugs.