Zentel 400 mg (Albendazole)

Description

What Is Zentel 400 mg?

Zentel 400 mg is an oral Albendazole tablet prescribed to treat intestinal parasitic worm infections and certain tissue parasites. It works by disrupting the parasite’s ability to absorb glucose starving and killing the worms. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Zentel treats a wide range of helminth infections in both adults and children over 2 years.

Albendazole belongs to the benzimidazole drug class. It’s considered a broad-spectrum anthelmintic meaning it works against multiple worm types rather than targeting just one species.

WHO includes Albendazole on its List of Essential Medicines for parasitic disease treatment.

How Zentel 400 mg Works

Parasitic worms depend on glucose absorption for energy and survival. They pull glucose through their outer covering (tegument) to fuel cellular functions.

Albendazole binds to beta-tubulin a protein worms need for glucose uptake and cell division. This binding action:

• Blocks glucose absorption into parasite cells
• Depletes glycogen stores within the worm
• Stops ATP (energy) production
• Prevents cell division and egg production
• Causes worm paralysis and death

Dead parasites pass naturally through stool within 1-3 days after treatment.

Albendazole also damages larval forms in tissue infections like neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease making it effective beyond intestinal worms.

Medical Uses and Parasites Treated

Intestinal Worm Infections (Single-Dose Treatment)

Infections Requiring Multi-Day Treatment

Tissue/Systemic Infections (Extended Treatment)

Dosage and Administration

Standard Adult Dosing

Pediatric Dosing (Children 2+ years)

Children under 2 years: Not recommended safety not established.

How to Take Zentel

• Chewable tablets: Chew thoroughly before swallowing
• Regular tablets: Swallow whole with water
• Take with food: fatty meals increase absorption by up to 5x
• For pinworm: Repeat dose after 2 weeks (reinfection common)
• Complete full course even if symptoms improve

Storage

• Room temperature (below 77°F/25°C)
• Protect from moisture
• Keep in original packaging
• Away from children

Side Effects

Common (Usually Mild)

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Temporary hair loss (with prolonged use)

Less Common

• Elevated liver enzymes
• Fever
• Skin rash or itching
• Diarrhea

Serious Seek Medical Attention

• Severe allergic reaction: Difficulty breathing, facial swelling, severe rash
• Bone marrow suppression: Unusual bleeding, bruising, persistent infections, extreme fatigue
• Liver toxicity: Yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome: Severe skin blistering and peeling

Special Note on Parasite Die-Off

When treating neurocysticercosis or hydatid disease, dying parasites can trigger inflammatory reactions. Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids alongside Albendazole to manage this response.

Contraindications and Precautions

Who Should NOT Take Zentel

• Pregnant women Albendazole causes fetal harm. Pregnancy test required before starting treatment in women of childbearing age.
• Hypersensitivity to Albendazole or other benzimidazoles (Mebendazole)
• Retinal lesions in ocular cysticercosis (parasite death can damage retina)

Use With Caution

Required Monitoring (Extended Treatment)

For courses longer than 3 days, doctors typically order:

• Complete blood count (CBC) every 2 weeks
• Liver function tests every 2 weeks
• Pregnancy test before each 28-day cycle (women)

Drug Interactions

Grapefruit juice may increase Albendazole absorption avoid during treatment.

Special Populations

Pregnancy (Category C)

Contraindicated. Animal studies show embryotoxicity and skeletal abnormalities. Women of childbearing potential should:

• Use effective contraception during treatment
• Continue contraception 1 month after treatment ends
• Confirm negative pregnancy test before starting

Breastfeeding

Limited data available. Albendazole metabolites may pass into breast milk. Discuss with doctor may recommend pumping and discarding milk during treatment.

Children

• Under 2 years: Not recommended
• 2 years and older: Safe and effective at weight-based dosing

Elderly

No specific dose adjustments. Monitor liver function if extended treatment required.

Pinworm Infection: Practical Tips

Pinworm (Enterobius) is highly contagious and reinfection common. Beyond medication:

• Treat all household members simultaneously
• Wash bedding and towels in hot water on treatment day
• Shower morning after treatment (eggs deposited overnight)
• Keep fingernails short eggs collect underneath
• Discourage nail-biting and thumb-sucking (children)
• Repeat Zentel dose after 2 weeks
• Wash hands thoroughly before meals and after bathroom

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does Zentel work?

Worms begin dying within 24 hours. Dead parasites pass in stool over 1-3 days. For pinworm, itching typically stops within a week. Some tissue infections require weeks of treatment before clinical improvement.

Should I take Zentel with food?

Yes. Fatty food significantly increases Albendazole absorption up to 5 times higher blood levels compared to fasting. Take with a regular meal for best effectiveness.

Can I see worms in my stool after treatment?

Sometimes. Larger worms (roundworms, tapeworms) may be visible. Smaller parasites like pinworms often dissolve or fragment you may not see anything. This doesn’t mean treatment failed.

Why do I need a second dose for pinworms?

Albendazole kills adult worms but not eggs. Pinworm eggs already deposited around the anus can hatch within 2 weeks, causing reinfection. The second dose eliminates newly hatched worms before they mature and reproduce.

Can children take Zentel?

Yes, children 2 years and older. Children under 10 kg receive half the adult dose (200 mg). Children 10 kg and above receive full 400 mg dose. Not recommended under 2 years.

Is Zentel safe during pregnancy?

No. Albendazole is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of fetal abnormalities. Women must confirm negative pregnancy test before treatment and use contraception during and for 1 month after treatment.

Do I need prescription for Zentel in USA?

Yes. Albendazole requires prescription in the United States. Doctor evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment duration for specific infection type.

Can I drink alcohol with Zentel?

Best avoided. Both Albendazole and alcohol are processed by the liver. Combining them may increase liver stress and side effect risk, especially during extended treatment courses.

How do I know if treatment worked?

For intestinal worms, symptoms (itching, abdominal pain, visible worms) typically resolve within 1-2 weeks. Doctors may order follow-up stool examination 2-4 weeks after treatment to confirm parasite elimination.

Why usarxmeds?

• Genuine GlaxoSmithKline Zentel tablets
• Proper storage and handling maintained
• Discreet packaging
• Secure ordering process
• Fast USA shipping with tracking
• Customer support for questions

Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not medical advice. Parasitic infections require proper diagnosis consult licensed healthcare provider before treatment.