Zentel Tablet 200mg (Albendazole) x2

Zentel Tablet 200mg contains Albendazole, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication. It’s effective against various intestinal worms, tissue parasites, and some protozoan infections. Zentel works by inhibiting the parasites’ ability to absorb glucose, effectively starving and eliminating them from the body.

Uses

Zentel Tablet (Albendazole) is primarily used:

• To treat various intestinal worm infections, including:
  • Roundworms (ascariasis)
  • Hookworms
  • Pinworms (enterobiasis)
  • Whipworms (trichuriasis)
• For treating neurocysticercosis (tapeworm larvae in the brain)
• To manage hydatid disease (echinococcosis) in the liver, lungs, and other organs
• As part of the treatment for giardiasis, a protozoan infection
• To combat certain tissue parasites like cutaneous larva migrans
• In mass deworming programs in endemic areas

Benefits

• Provides broad-spectrum activity against multiple parasites
• Eliminates both adult worms and their eggs
• Requires minimal dosing (often single-dose therapy)
• Well-tolerated with minimal side effects
• Effective against both intestinal and some tissue parasites
• Can be used in mass deworming programs
• Suitable for children and adults
• Cost-effective treatment for parasitic infections
• Improves nutritional status by eliminating intestinal parasites

How It Works

Albendazole selectively binds to parasite beta-tubulin, inhibiting its polymerization into microtubules. This disrupts glucose uptake in helminths, depleting their energy reserves and immobilizing them. The parasites are then eliminated through normal digestive processes. Albendazole also prevents egg production, breaking the parasite life cycle.

Dosage

Take Zentel with meals, preferably fatty foods to increase absorption. Tablets may be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and mixed with food for children.

Duration of Action

Zentel begins working against parasites within hours of administration. For intestinal parasites, complete elimination typically occurs within 3 days. The medication remains active in the body for 8-12 hours after dosing. For tissue parasites, longer treatment courses are required with effects continuing for several weeks after treatment completion.

Side Effects

Most patients tolerate Zentel well. Common side effects include mild abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. These typically resolve without intervention. Rare but serious side effects include liver problems, severe skin reactions, or blood disorders, which require immediate medical attention.

Warning

Do not use Zentel if allergic to albendazole or similar medications. Liver function may require monitoring during prolonged therapy. Treatment of echinococcosis (hydatid disease) or neurocysticercosis may cause reactions as parasites die. Seek immediate medical attention for severe headache, seizures, vision changes, or allergic reactions.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Zentel is contraindicated during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, due to potential embryotoxic effects. Women of childbearing age should take the medication during the first week of menstruation or after a negative pregnancy test. Limited data exists regarding breastfeeding, though short-term use is generally considered acceptable if benefits outweigh risks.

Interaction

• May increase levels of certain anticonvulsants
• Effectiveness reduced by corticosteroids
• Cimetidine may increase albendazole levels
• May reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives
• Grapefruit juice may increase drug concentration

Precaution

Use with caution in patients with liver disease or impaired liver function. Children under 2 years should be treated under medical supervision. Maintain good hygiene practices to prevent reinfection. Complete follow-up testing if recommended by healthcare provider. In cases of known or suspected neurocysticercosis, hospitalization during first days of treatment may be advised.

Important Information

Zentel treats parasitic infections but does not prevent reinfection. Practice good hygiene including handwashing, proper food preparation, and drinking clean water. Family members may need simultaneous treatment for certain parasites. Complete eradication of some parasites may require repeated courses. Follow-up stool examination may be necessary to confirm cure.