Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Zentel Tablets 200Mg
Zentel Tablets 200Mg
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SPECIFICATION
Requires Prescription (YES/NO)
Yes
Generics
Albendazole
Used For
Parasitic Infection
How it works
Albendazole is a benzimidazole carbamate with anthelmintic and antiprotozoal activity against intestinal and tissue parasites. Animal studies have shown that albendazole exhibits vermicidal, ovacidal and larvacidal activity and exerts its anthelmintic effect by inhibiting tubulin polymerisation. This causes the disruption of the helminth metabolism, including energy depletion, which immobilises and then kills the susceptible helminth.
USAGE AND SAFETY
Dosage
Albendazole
Side Effects
GI disturbances , headache , dizziness , rash , fever , rarely reversible alopecia , haematological and liver enzyme changes.
Drug Interactions
Praziquantel increases the plasma levels of the active metabolite of medicine. Ritonavir, phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital may reduce plasma concentrations of the active metabolite of the medicine; albendazole sulfoxide. The clinical relevance of this is unknown, but may result in decreased efficacy, especially in the treatment of systemic helminth infections. Patients should be monitored for efficacy and may require alternative dose regimens or therapies.
Indication
It is indicated in the treatment of single or mixed intestinal parasites. Clinical studies have shown albendazole effective in the treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm/threadworm), Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (hookworm), Taenia spp. (tapeworm) and Strongyloides stercoralis. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Giardia (duodenalis or intestinalis or lamblia) infections in children.
When not to Use
It is contra-indicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to albendazole or constituents .
PRECAUTIONS
Precaution
Since dizziness has been reported following treatment with albendazole , caution is recommended in patients performing skilled tasks.
WARNINGS
Warning 1
Leucopenia may occur when albendazole was used for periods longer than recommended.
Warning 2
Treatment with albendazole may uncover pre-existing neurocysticercosis, particularly in areas with high taenosis infection. Patients may experience neurological symptoms e.g. seizures, increased intracranial pressure and focal signs as a result of an inflammatory reaction caused by death of the parasite within the brain. Symptoms may occur soon after treatment, appropriate steroid and anticonvulsant therapy should bestarted immediately.
Warning 3
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pregnancy category
Always consult your physician before using any medicine.
Storage (YES/NO)
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.