Zentel

Uses

What is Zentel® (Albendazole) used for?

Zentel® is commonly used to treat infections caused by tapeworms, including hydrated disease and neurocysticercosis.

How should I take Zentel® (Albendazole)?

For orally taken form, you should:

• Take Zentel® by mouth as directed by your doctor concerning: dose, schedule.
• Read the label carefully before using Zentel®.
• Consult your doctor for any information on the label that you do not clearly understand.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• You may crush or chew the tablet and swallow it with water. If you have trouble swallowing, ask your doctor for the chewable tablet.

How do I store Zentel® (Albendazole)?

Zentel® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Zentel® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Zentel® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Zentel® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Zentel® (Albendazole)?

Before using Zentel®, tell your doctor if you have:

• Allergic reaction: to Zentel®, excipients using for dosage form containing Zentel®. The information is detailed in the leaflet.
• Allergic reaction to any other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
• Pediatric.
• Geriatric.
• Used any other health conditions, drugs that have a risk of interaction with Zentel®.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control while using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose. You should have a negative pregnancy test before you start treatment. Zentel® is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A=No risk;
• B=No risk in some studies;
• C=There may be some risk;
• D=Positive evidence of risk;
• X=Contraindicated;
• N=Unknown.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Zentel® (Albendazole)?

As taking others medicines, taking Zentel® can cause some side effects. Most of them are rarely occurring and do not need any supplementary treatment. However, it is always important for you to consult your doctor if you have any problem after taking this medicine.

Some of the side effects are listed below:

• Vomiting;
• Nausea;
• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• Insomnia;
• Infection;
• Stomach pain;
• Aggression;
• Temporary hair loss.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Zentel® (Albendazole)?

Zentel® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval, such as cimetidine, dexamethasone, praziquantel, or theophylline.

Does food or alcohol interact with Zentel® (Albendazole)?

Zentel® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Zentel® (Albendazole)?

Zentel® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, such as:

• Bone marrow problems (e.g, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia);
• Cysticercosis involving the eye;
• Liver disease;
• Liver enzymes.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Zentel® (Albendazole).

What is the dose of Zentel® (Albendazole) for an adult?

Consult your doctor for information about the dose of Zentel®.

Recommended doses in some cases are listed below: 400 mg (two ZENTEL 200 mg tablets) or 20 ml (400 mg) of ZENTEL suspension as a single dose.

What is the dose of Zentel® (Albendazole) for a child?

Consult your doctor for information about the dose of Zentel®.

Recommended doses in some cases are listed below:  the usual dose in children between one and two years of age is 10 ml (200 mg) of ZENTEL suspension as a single dose.

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Zentel® (Albendazole) available?

Zentel® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Tablet, Chewable Tablet 200 mg;
• Suspension 20 mg/ml.

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services (115) or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Zentel®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.