Zentel 400 Mg Tablets

Description

Zentel 400 Mg Tablets

Zentel 400 Mg Tablets contain albendazole 400 mg, a broad-spectrum anthelmintic (worm-killing) medicine. Albendazole is used to treat intestinal worm infections such as roundworm, hookworm, threadworm and whipworm, and it is also used for more serious parasitic infections such as neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease, under specialist supervision. It works by interfering with the worms’ energy supply and their ability to absorb glucose, which causes them to die or be expelled.

Composition

Product Details

Zentel 400 Mg Tablets are oral tablets. Albendazole is a prescription-only medicine in many countries, and a valid prescription and the advice of a qualified doctor or pharmacist are needed before use. Many people with intestinal worms are treated with a single dose, but more serious infections require a longer course and monitoring.

Mechanism of Action

Albendazole binds to beta-tubulin in parasite cells, disrupting the formation of microtubules. Without microtubules, the parasite cannot take up glucose or transport essential molecules, so its energy stores are depleted and the worm dies or is expelled. Human cells are much less sensitive to this effect, which is why the drug is well tolerated when used as directed.

Indications

• Intestinal worm infections, including roundworm, hookworm, threadworm and whipworm
• Neurocysticercosis (infection of the brain by pork tapeworm larvae), under specialist supervision
• Hydatid disease (cystic echinococcosis), under specialist supervision
• Other parasitic infections, as directed by a doctor

Dosage and Administration

For simple intestinal worm infections, the usual dose is a single 400 mg tablet, taken with food. Treatment may need to be repeated after 2 to 3 weeks if reinfection is likely, as directed by a doctor. For neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease, the dose and length of treatment are set by a specialist, usually as a weight-based daily dose over several days to several weeks. Take the tablet with a fatty meal to improve absorption. Swallow whole with water. Do not chew the tablet unless the pack insert allows it.

Special Populations

Children: the dose depends on age and weight, and the pack insert should be checked. Children under two years are not usually treated without specialist advice.
Kidney impairment: no major dose change is usually needed, but the prescriber should review use in severe impairment.
Liver disease: the prescriber should review use, as albendazole is processed by the liver, and liver function may need monitoring.
Pregnancy: albendazole should not be used in the first trimester unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk, as recommended by the product labelling. Discuss with a doctor before use.
Breastfeeding: the prescriber should advise before use.

Precautions

• Long courses require regular blood tests, including blood counts and liver function, because albendazole can reduce bone marrow activity and affect the liver.
• Seizures can occur in people with neurocysticercosis, as the dying parasites can cause inflammation. Steroids or anti-seizure medicines are often used alongside.
• Hygiene matters: wash hands carefully, keep nails short and clean, and wash bedding and clothes, to stop reinfection.
• Stop and seek medical help promptly for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual bruising or bleeding, fever, or a severe rash.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to albendazole, other benzimidazoles or any excipient

Use with caution in people with liver disease or those with low blood counts.

Side Effects

Common: abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, raised liver enzymes on blood tests.
Uncommon: hair loss, fever, rash, tiredness, insomnia.
Rare: low white cell or platelet counts, liver damage, seizures in neurocysticercosis, severe skin reactions, pancreatitis.

Seek urgent medical help for yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever with sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bruising, severe rash, or fits.

Drug Interactions

• Praziquantel: raises albendazole levels; used together under specialist supervision for certain infections.
• Dexamethasone and other corticosteroids: can raise albendazole levels and may be used alongside in neurocysticercosis.
• Cimetidine: may increase albendazole levels.
• Other medicines that affect the liver or bone marrow: may add to side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine, herbal product and supplement you take.

Storage

Store below 30 degrees Celsius in the original package, protected from moisture and light. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.

Related Products

• Nizonide 500 Mg Tablets: nitazoxanide, for diarrhoea caused by Giardia or Cryptosporidium. It treats different parasites and is not interchangeable with albendazole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to treat the whole family?
Yes, for worm infections such as threadworm, everyone in the household should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.

Will I see worms passed?
Some people pass worms in their stools after treatment, which is expected. Speak to your doctor if symptoms persist.

Can I take it with food?
Yes. Taking it with a fatty meal improves absorption, which is important for the full effect.

Can it be used in pregnancy?
Only if the doctor judges the benefit outweighs the risk. Speak to a doctor before taking it.

References

• NHS: Threadworms. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/threadworms/
• electronic Medicines Compendium (emc): Albendazole summary of product characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc
• U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed: Albendazole labelling. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Disclaimer

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. Check dosing, monitoring and contraindications against the pack insert and the prescriber’s instructions. Do not start, stop or change this medicine without medical advice.