Zentel Tablet 200mg

About Zentel Tablet 200mg

Zentel Tablet Uses

• Treatment of roundworm infections including ascariasis and trichuriasis.
• Management of hookworm infections and enterobiasis.
• Treatment of tapeworm infections including echinococcosis and hydatid disease.
• Management of neurocysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm larvae.
• Elimination of mixed helminth infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Zentel Tablet Benefits

• Broad-spectrum activity against multiple types of intestinal parasites and tapeworms.
• Effective in treating tissue infections including hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis.
• Single dose or short course treatment simplifies dosing and improves compliance.
• Crosses the blood-brain barrier enabling treatment of central nervous system parasitic infections.
• Well-tolerated with favorable safety profile when used at recommended doses.

What Experts Say

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic that disrupts parasite microtubule function by inhibiting beta-tubulin polymerization. This disruption prevents nutrient uptake by the worm leading to gradual paralysis and death. Albendazole demonstrates activity against both adult worms and larval stages of parasites. The drug is effective against most intestinal helminths including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and pinworms. Its mechanism provides selective toxicity targeting parasite microtubules over mammalian microtubules.

Pharmacokinetically, albendazole shows limited oral bioavailability which increases substantially when taken with fatty foods. Peak plasma concentrations occur within 2 to 5 hours of administration. The drug undergoes hepatic metabolism to its active sulfoxide metabolite which is the primary circulating form. The active metabolite crosses the blood-brain barrier enabling effective treatment of neurocysticercosis. Elimination occurs primarily via urinary excretion with a half-life of 8 to 12 hours.

Clinical efficacy of albendazole has been extensively documented for multiple parasitic infections. Studies demonstrate cure rates exceeding 90 percent for common intestinal parasites. The drug is particularly valuable for hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis where tissue penetration is critical. Single-dose regimens prove effective for most intestinal infections improving treatment compliance. Tolerability is excellent with minimal serious adverse effects at therapeutic doses.

Drug Class

• Broad-Spectrum Anthelmintic (Benzimidazole Class)

Packaging and Quantity

• Blister strip containing 2 tablets of 200 mg each.

When Not to Use Zentel

• Known hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazole compounds.
• Severe hepatic impairment or liver disease.
• Active ocular cysticercosis due to risk of vision loss.
• First trimester of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary for treatment.
• Certain types of bone marrow disorders or blood dyscrasias.

Zentel Tablet 200mg formula

• Albendazole

Available forms

• Tablet
• Suspension

How to use Zentel Tablet 200mg?

• Take orally as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Typical dose for roundworm, hookworm, and pinworm is one 200 mg tablet as a single dose.
• For tapeworm infections, take one 200 mg tablet daily for 3 consecutive days.
• For hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis, dosing is 400 mg twice daily for extended periods as prescribed.
• Swallow tablet whole with water and take with fatty food to increase absorption.
• Complete the full course as prescribed even if symptoms improve.

Drug Interactions

Zentel may interact with various medications affecting efficacy or safety:

• Corticosteroids: May increase plasma levels of albendazole metabolites; monitor for increased toxicity.
• Cimetidine: May increase albendazole concentrations by inhibiting hepatic metabolism.
• Dexamethasone: May increase levels of albendazole metabolites increasing systemic exposure.
• Praziquantel: Concurrent use may increase albendazole levels and risk of adverse effects.

Risks and warnings

• Hepatic disease: Severe liver impairment is a contraindication; use cautiously in mild to moderate disease.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated in first trimester due to teratogenic potential; discuss benefits and risks with physician.
• Bone marrow monitoring: Prolonged high-dose therapy may cause bone marrow suppression; monitor CBC periodically.
• Ocular cysticercosis: Active intraocular cysts may rupture during treatment causing vision loss; ophthalmologic evaluation required.
• Food absorption: Absorption increases significantly with fatty food; take with meals for optimal efficacy.
• Breastfeeding: Small amounts pass into breast milk; use with caution during lactation.
• Drug interactions: Monitor for increased toxicity when used with corticosteroids or cimetidine.

Zentel Tablet Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and transient occurring during worm elimination. Following are commonly reported adverse effects:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea or loose stools.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Mild skin rash or itching.

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

• Severe allergic reaction with angioedema or anaphylaxis.
• Hepatotoxicity with jaundice, dark urine, or severe liver dysfunction.
• Bone marrow suppression with fever, sore throat, or unusual bruising.
• Neutropenia or severe blood cell abnormalities.

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
• Protect from moisture in a tightly sealed container.
• Keep in original blister strip or tablet container.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use after the expiration date on the packaging.