Zentel 400 Mg (Albendazole)

## What is Zentel 400 mg

Zentel 400 mg Tablet is an anthelmintic medicine used to treat intestinal worm infections caused by pinworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms. It contains 400 mg of Albendazole, an FDA-approved deworming salt from the benzimidazole drug class. It is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. as a chewable tablet at WHO-GMP-certified manufacturing units.

Albendazole prevents worms from absorbing glucose, which is the energy they need to survive. As their energy stores decline, the worms die and are cleared through the stool. It works on the worms but not on their eggs. This is why a repeat dose may be advised after 2 to 3 weeks if the infection is not fully cleared.

For common intestinal worm infections in adults and children aged 2 years or older, a single Zentel 400 mg dose is advised. For threadworm, pork or beef tapeworm, and other sensitive worm infections, you may need to take 400 mg once daily for 3 consecutive days.

The Zentel 400 mg tablet should be chewed before swallowing. It can be taken without fasting, purging, or laxatives. If you or your child vomits soon after taking the medicine, ask your doctor whether the dose should be repeated. Since worm infections can spread easily among family members, everyone should get treatment together.

Common Albendazole side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, Diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. These are usually mild and short-lived. Seek urgent medical help if signs of allergy, skin blistering, breathing difficulty, unusual bleeding, or severe rash develop.

Avoid Zentel 400 if you have an allergy to Albendazole or are pregnant. Medical supervision is advised for people with liver disease, in children under 2 years of age, and while breastfeeding. Avoid combining with medicines, such as Cimetidine, Praziquantel, Dexamethasone, Ritonavir, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, and Phenobarbital, as they can alter Albendazole levels in the body.

Store Zentel 400 mg tablets in a dry place below 30°C, away from light.

## What are the benefits of taking Zentel 400 mg tablet

Zentel Albendazole chewable tablet helps treat worm infections while offering the following benefits:

Works against common worms : This antiworm medicine treats pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections in adults and children over 2 years old.

Offers convenient dosing : Zentel 400 mg is commonly used as a single-dose treatment for many intestinal worm infections.

Helps reduce reinfection : A repeat dose or second course may be advised in selected cases, especially when reinfection is likely, or the infection is not fully cleared.

## How to take Zentel 400 mg

Take Zentel ant-parasitic tablet exactly as instructed by your doctor. Typical dosage and usage guidelines are as follows:

Chew the tablet, then swallow it.

Take it with or without food, but preferably with a fatty meal for better absorption.

Repeat another dose after 2 weeks, if advised.

## Strengths and Substitutes

Zentel is only available as a 400 mg chewable tablet. Cheap Medicine Shop also offers deworming substitutes from other GMP-certified manufacturers at affordable prices. These include:

View all substitutes

## What are the side effects of Zentel 400 mg tablet

Zentel deworming tablets can cause one or more of the following side effects:

Abdominal pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Headache

Dizziness

These are usually mild and settle quickly. However, seek prompt medical help in case of severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding or an allergic reaction.

## Safety Advice

Liver Disease

Zentel 400 should be used carefully in people with liver disease because Albendazole is processed by the liver. Closer monitoring is advised, especially if treatment lasts longer than a single short course.

Kidney Impairment

No kidney-related dose adjustment is typically needed with standard deworming with Zentel. However, people with kidney disease should consult their doctor before use, especially if they have other medical problems or are taking multiple medicines.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding women

Zentel 400 mg tablets can be prescribed during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the risks. Women who are planning to conceive or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before use.

Avoid

Avoid Zentel Tablet in patients with an allergy to Albendazole or children under 2 years old. Do not combine it with medicines such as Cimetidine, Praziquantel, Dexamethasone, Ritonavir, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, or Phenobarbital without medical advice, as they can alter the medicine’s effect.

## FAQs

## How to take Zentel 400 mg tablet?

Zentel 400 mg tablet should be chewed before swallowing. It should preferably be taken with a fatty meal for better absorption. No fasting, special diet or laxatives are needed.

## What is the recommended Albendazole 400 mg dosage for adults?

The recommended Albendazole for adults is usually a single 400 mg dose for common worm infections such as pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, or hookworm. For tapeworm or some parasitic skin infections, doctors may prescribe 400 mg once daily for 3-28 days.

## How long does it take Zentel 400 to work?

Zentel 400 starts working soon after the dose is taken, but the worms may take some time to die and pass out of the body. Improvement in symptoms typically begins within a few days, although full clearance can take longer depending on the infection.

## Will I poop worms after taking Albendazole?

Yes, you might notice worms or worm fragments in the stool after taking Albendazole. This happens because the medicine kills the worms and the body clears them naturally.

## What should I avoid while taking Zentel tablets?

Avoid consuming alcohol and grapefruit juice with Zentel tablets, as they can worsen side effects and interfere with the medication. Do not combine it with medicines such as Cimetidine, Praziquantel, Dexamethasone , Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Ritonavir, and Phenobarbital without medical review.

## What is the Zentel suspension dosage for children?

The Zentel suspension dosage for children depends on their age and the type of worm infection. For common intestinal worm infections, children over 2 years old are usually given 10 mL of oral suspension as a single dose.

## Can I take both Albendazole and Mebendazole for deworming?

No, you should not take Mebendazole and Albendazole together, unless advised. While both are deworming medicines, your doctor will prescribe the most suitable one. In certain cases, however, a combination plan of Ivermectin and Albendazole may be advised.