Zentel 400 MG Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, Composition & Dosages

Zentel 400 MG Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, Composition & Dosages post thumbnail image

Zentel 400 MG Tablet is an anthelmintic drug that contains Albendazole (400 mg) as its active ingredient. Depending on the variant the strength and composition may vary. The medicine shows anti-parasitic nature.

NatureAnti-parasitic/ Anthelmintic
UsesTapeworm infections, Pinworm infections, Threadworm
infections, Roundworm infections, Whipworm infections,
Hookworm infections, Filarial worm infections, Parasitic
Intestinal infections
CompositionAlbendazole
Side EffectsFever, Headache, Nausea or Vomiting, Seizures,
Dark urine, Temporary Hair Loss, Elevated Liver
Enzymes, Allergic Skin Reaction, Bleeding and
bruising, Shortness of breath, Unusual tiredness
PrecautionsHypersensitivity, Blockage in the biliary tract, Liver
impairment, Low blood count, Retinal Damage,
Effects on brain, Pregnancy, Lactation

Uses & Benefits of Zentel:

Zentel 400 MG Tablet is an anti-parasitic drug that is primarily used to treat and prevent parasitic infections. It is used to treat infections caused by:

  • Tapeworms
  • Pinworms
  • Threadworms
  • Roundworms
  • Whipworms
  • Hookworms
  • Filarial worms


Zentel 400 may be used in the treatment of the following diseases and conditions:

  • Hydatid Disease: A tapeworm infection that affects the liver, lungs, brain and other organs. It is usually caused due to direct contact with animal faeces contaminated with tapeworm infection.
  • Neurocysticercosis: A tapeworm infection that affects muscles, spinal cord, brain and other tissues. It is usually caused by direct contact with human faeces contaminated with tapeworm infection.
  • Enterobiasis: A pinworm infection that affects children. It does not cause any serious symptoms except rectal itching.
  • Strongyloidiasis: A parasitic diseases of intestines. It is usually characterized by abdominal pain and burning, rashes, cough, hives, vomiting, etc.
  • Ascariasis: A parasitic infection of intestines caused by giant roundworms.
  • Trichuriasis: A parasitic infection that affects the abdomen. It is usually characterized by pain, tiredness and diarrhoea.
  • Cutaneous Larva Migrans: A hookworm infection that affects the skin.
  • Filariasis: A tropical parasitic disease that affects lymph nodes and lymph vessels. It is caused by mosquito bites. The bites deposit parasite that travels to lymph nodes.
  • Giardiasis: A parasitic infection caused by Giardia. It is usually caused by drinking contaminated water.

Read More: Mintop Forte Uses | Betnovate GM Uses

Side Effects of Zentel:

Apart from the intended effects of the medicines, they are bound to show some side effects in some cases. Some of the possible side effects that may be experienced with the consumption of Zentel 400 mg Tablets are as follows:

  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Dark urine
  • Allergic reactions on the skin
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Easy bruising
  • Shortness of breath
  • Temporary Hair Loss
  • Elevated Liver Enzymes
  • Unusual tiredness


In case the patient experiences any side effects (listed or not listed above) during the consumption of this medicine, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Read More: Betacap 40 Side Effects | Endura Mass Side Effects

Common Dosage of Zentel:

The patient should administer Zentel 400 mg Tablet in accordance with the instructions prescribed by the doctor. Doctors usually prescribe one tablet of Zentel 400 daily. However, the dosage may vary with the severity of the infection to be treated. A few other factors that help in deciding the dosage are the BMI of the patient, the age of the patient, and other underlying health concerns.

Missed Dosage:
The patient should take the missed dose as soon as it is remembered. However, it is advisable not to take the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose.  Under no circumstance, a double dose should be taken to compensate for the missed dose as it may lead to drug toxicity or other aftereffects.

Overdose:
Consuming the medicine more than the prescribed amount may show serious reaction or drug toxicity and thus one should refrain from taking an overdose. However, if an overdose is suspected, one must rush to a doctor to seek immediate medical attention.

Read More: Lanol ER Dosages | Hifenac 100 Dosages

Composition and Nature of Zentel:

Zentel 400 MG Tablet is an anthelmintic drug that contains Albendazole (400 mg) as its active ingredient. Depending on the variant the strength and composition may vary. The medicine shows anti-parasitic nature.

Zentel 400 MG Tablet Price in India:

VariantPrice (in INR)Quantity
Zentel 400 mg Tablet7.831 Tablet

Read More: Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Price | Paracip 500 Price

How to Use Zentel 400 MG Tablet?

Zentel 400 mg Tablets should be consumed as per the prescription of the doctor or the patient should follow the directions prescribed on the label. One must not increase or decrease the quantity without consulting the doctor. It is advised to swallow the tablet as a whole, without chewing, crushing, or breaking it. This medicine should be consumed with food or immediately after food in order to maximize its availability in the body.

How Zentel 400 Works?

As mentioned before, Zentel 400 MG Tablet is primarily antihelmintic which is chiefly used for the treatment of worm infection such as infections caused by a tapeworm, infections caused by roundworm, hydatid disease, Neurocysticercosis, and other conditions. The tablet is also used for the treatment of echinococcosis. Also, it chiefly consists of Albendazole. The active constituent works by preventing the worm from absorbing glucose so that the worm dies for want of energy. Additionally, it works on the various intestinal cells by causing degenerative alterations.  

When is Zentel 400 mg Tablet Prescribed?

Zentel 400 MG Tablet is an antihelminthic agent that is prescribed to treat and prevent parasitic infections. Doctors may prescribe this medicine to cure infections caused by tapeworm, hookworm, pinworm, threadworm, roundworm, etc. It may also be prescribed to treat Hydatid Disease, Neurocysticercosis, Enterobiasis, Strongyloidiasis, Ascariasis, Trichuriasis, Cutaneous Larva Migrans, Filariasis, and Giardiasis.

Warnings and Precautions: When to Avoid Zentel?

The following are some of the common and relevant precautions to be taken before using Zentel 400 MG Tablet: 

  • First and foremost, the Zentel 400 MG Tablet should always be consumed according to the prescription by the doctor concerned. Immediate medical intervention should be sought in case the symptoms turn severe.
  • Secondly, the patient must inform the doctor of any kind of allergic reactions to the concerned medicine. Pre-surgical anomalies, if any, should also be reported to the doctor.
  • Importantly, this medicine, generally speaking, is not recommended for those susceptible to hypersensitivity.
  • Apart from that, care must be taken to check the expiry date of the medicine and the appropriate quantity. In both cases, indifference might translate into considerable reaction.
  • It must be noted that this should not be taken along with steroids. This may translate into considerable side effects.
  • The drug should be kept away from excessive sunlight.
  • Immediate medical intervention should be sought if in case the patient feels a numbing or a tingling sensation after taking the drug.
  • It is important to underscore the fact that this tablet should not be taken along with alcohol. The combination tends to produce a heightened sense of drowsiness or inertia.
  • Also, as far as pregnancy and breastfeeding are concerned, appropriate medical intervention should be sought. Zentel 400 MG Tablet may be taken only when the relative benefits outweigh the potential risks.
  • It is important to underscore the fact that the drug should not be taken along with Theophylline, Cimetidine, Praziquantel and Dexamethasone. The combination tends to produce considerable reaction.
  • In cases of enough dose, immediate medical intervention should be sought as enough dose might cause severe side effects.
  • Additionally, the Zentel 400 MG Tablet should not be taken with grapefruit juice. The combination tends to produce unpredictable reaction.

Substitutes for Zentel:

The following are some of the common substitutes of Zentel 400 MG Tablet: 

  • Clozapine Major
  • Dexamethasone Moderate
  • Praziquantel Moderate
  • Carbamazepine Moderate
  • Phenytoin Moderate

Read More: Racecadotril Substitutes | Ondem MD 4 Substitutes

Zentel 400 Interactions with Other Drugs:

Interactions with drugs:
Mixing two or more medicines may change how the drug works and may increase the risk of side- effects. A few drugs that may interact negatively with Zentel 400 mg are:

  • Carbamazepine
  • Cimetidine
  • Clozapine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Estrogen
  • Fosfestrol
  • Fosphenytoin
  • Phenytoin
  • Phenobarbitone
  • Praziquantel
  • Tibolone
  • Estradiol


Interaction with alcohol:
Interaction of this medicine with alcohol may affect the health of the liver adversely. Hence, it is advisable to discontinue the consumption of alcohol during the course of treatment.

Disease Interactions:
It should be avoided by the patients suffering from:

  • Liver Impairment: Zentel is known to increase the levels of liver enzymes and thus patients suffering from liver diseases should use Zentel 400 MG Tablet only after due consultation with the doctor.
  • Low Blood Count: Zentel 400 MG Tablet has been reported to alter the functionality of bone marrow, resulting in decreased white blood cells count.
  • Eye Diseases such as retinal lesions: Use of this tablet poses a high risk of retinal damage and thus patients with a known history of eye disease should use this tablet with care and caution.


Food Interactions:
It is advised to stop the consumption of the following food items during the course of treatment with Zentel 400 mg Tablets:

  • Grapefruit Juice: Interaction between grapefruit juice and Zentel 400 MG Tablet may lead to an increased risk of reaction.

Variants of Zentel:

Following are the variants of Zentel:

  • Zentel 400 mg Tablets
  • Zentel Suspension

Suspension:

It is also available in suspension form as Zentel Suspension/ Syrup. It is usually prescribed to children or patients who are not able to swallow tablets.

Medicines that should not be taken with Zentel 400 mg Tablet: 

Taking this medicine in combination with other over-the-counter medicines, herbal medicines or vitamin supplements may increase the risk of its reaction. A few drugs that should never be taken with Zentel 400 mg Tablet are:

  • Carbamazepine

How to Store Zentel?

Zentel 400 MG Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. The packaging of this medicine must be kept intact in order to maintain its effect when being administered. One must keep the medicine away from the reach of children and pets.

FAQs:

1) What should I do if I missed a dose of Zentel 400 MG Tablet?

Ans: You should take the missed dose as soon as it is remembered. However, it is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose.  Under no circumstance, you should consume double doses to compensate for the missed dose as it may lead to drug toxicity or other side effects.

2) Is Zentel addictive?

Ans: No, Zentel 400 MG Tablet is not addictive. However, one must consult a doctor to know more about the nature of the medicine.

4) Can Zentel be used for treating the common cold?

Ans: No. Zentel 400 MG Tablet is an anti-parasitic drug that treats parasitic infections. Since the common cold is caused by virus, this tablet will not show any effect.

5) Is driving safe post-consuming Zentel 400 MG Tablet?

Ans: Yes, it is absolutely safe to drive post-consuming Zentel 400 mg Tablet. However, in case the patient feels drowsiness or dizziness, he or she must refrain from doing activities that require sheer concentration.

6) What is Zentel Tablet to treat?

Ans: This medicine is primarily used to treat parasitic infections such as hydatid disease, neurocysticercosis, strongyloidiasis, ascariasis, etc.

7) What are the possible side effects of Zentel Tablet?

Ans: Zentel 400 MG Tablet does not usually show side effects as long as consumed in accordance with the prescription of the doctor. However, in certain cases, it may show some side effects such as fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, seizures, dark urine, temporary hair loss, elevated liver enzymes, allergic skin reaction, bleeding and bruising, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness.

8) What is Zentel 400 Tablet used for?

Ans: Zentel 400 MG Tablet is an anti-parasitic drug that is primarily used to treat and prevent parasitic infections caused by tapeworms, pinworms, and hookworms.

9) Should I administer Zentel Tablet before or after having a meal?

Ans: Ideally, This medicine should be consumed with food or immediately after food to maximize its availability in the body. Rest, one should follow the doctor’s advice for the same.

10) Is Zentel available as an Over-the-Counter medicine?

Ans: No, Zentel 400 MG Tablet is not an over-the-counter medicine. It legally requires a prescription to be dispensed.

11) What should I do if I accidentally overdose on Zentel Tablet?

Ans: Overdosing on Zentel Tablet may show serious reaction or drug toxicity and thus one should refrain from taking an overdose. However, if an overdose is suspected, one must rush to a doctor to seek immediate medical attention.

12) What will happen if I accidentally consume an expired dose of Zentel 400 mg Tablet?

Ans: Although it is always recommended to check the expiry date of the medicine before administering it, a single expired dose of Zentel Tablet may not cause any severe side effects. However, it must be noted that the efficacy of the medicine may be affected as an expired tablet will not be as effective in treating the symptoms. Also, in case the patient experiences any discomfort after the consumption of an expired dosage, a doctor must be consulted immediately to seek remedial action.

13) What will happen if I continuously forget to take Zentel Tablets?

Ans: Missing a single dose of Zentel Tablet may not cause many effects. However, for medicine to work properly some concentration of medicine should always be present in the body. If a patient continuously misses the dose of the Zentel, the medicine may not be able to completely cure the ailment it has been prescribed for.

14) Is Zentel 400 safe to be consumed by lactating mothers?  

Ans: No, the use of Zentel 400 mg tablet is strictly prohibited in lactating mothers. The medicine may adversely affect the health of the infant. If absolutely necessary, lactating mothers must hold from breastfeeding the infant until the medicine is completely eliminated from the body. For case-specific recommendations, consult a doctor.

15) Is Zentel Tablet safe to be consumed by pregnant women?

Ans: No. Use of this tablet is not recommended in pregnant women. One must consult a doctor for case-specific recommendations.

16) What are the storage requirements for Zentel 400 Tablets?

Ans:
The medicine should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat.
It should be stored in a dry and cool place.
The medicine should be kept out of reach of pets and children

17) Can I consume alcohol during the course of treatment with Zentel 400?

Ans: No, it is not advisable to consume alcohol during the course of treatment with Zentel 400. Their interaction may result in adverse effects on the health of the liver.

18) How long does it take for Zentel to show its effect?

Ans: It usually takes 24 hours for antibiotics to start working. However, it could take a few days to show visible effects.

19) Is there any particular item that should be avoided during the course of treatment with Zentel 400 Mg Tablets?

Ans: Yes, grapefruit juice should be avoided during the course of treatment with Zentel 400 Mg Tablet as the interaction may result in reduced efficacy of the medicine.

20) Is Zentel banned in India?

Ans: No. Zentel 400 mg tablet is not banned in India. However, it is a prescription-only medicine that needs a prescription to be dispensed.

Related Post