Helminthiasis refers to parasitic diseases of humans, plants and animals, which are caused by parasitic worms such as helminths. It is necessary to treat such diseases. Otherwise, the patient may develop fever, conjunctivitis, rashes of a polymorphic and exudative nature on the skin, as well as swelling of the face and upper respiratory tract lesions.
There are many different drugs designed to treat helminthiasis. One of the most effective is Zentel. The use of this tool, its contraindications, cost and form of release will be presented below.
Composition, packaging, description and form of the drug
In what form is the medicine "Zentel" made? Reviews report that this tool has two forms of release. Consider their composition in more detail.
- Homogeneous transparent Zentel solution. A suspension for oral administration contains such an active ingredient as albendazole. Also, this medication includes the following additional components: potassium sorbate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, silicone antifoam 1510, sorbic acid, polysorbate 80, sorbitan monolaurate, benzoic acid, flavoring, glycerol, aluminum magnesium silicate, sodium saccharin and various flavoring additives. On sale, the drug in question comes in dark bottles.
- "Zentel" - tablets are oval and pink. They include additional components such as lactose, dye yellow sunset, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, corn starch, sodium saccharin, vanilla flavor, MCC, sodium lauryl sulfate, fruit and orange flavor. You can buy this tool in contour cells.
Pharmacological characteristics
What is Zentel medicine? Reviews of experts claim that it has an antiprotozoal and anthelmintic effect and belongs to the group of benzimidazole carbamate.
This drug affects intestinal and tissue forms of parasites. It also adversely affects adult helminths, eggs and larvae. By inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin, Zentel interferes with the metabolism of parasites and causes their death.
According to the instructions, the drug in question is active against:
- trematodes;
- nematodes;
- cestodes;
- protozoa.
Also, this tool affects tissue parasites, including alveolar and cystic echinococcosis. In addition, the drug is highly effective in:
- capillariosis developed due to Capillaria philippinensis;
- neurocysticercosis, which was triggered by an invasion of Taenia solium larvae;
- Gnathostomosis caused by Gnathostoma spinigerum.
It should also be noted that this tool reduces or kills echinococcus cysts (granular). In this case, the cysts caused by Echinococcus multilocularis immediately disappear.
Kinetics
Is the Zentel drug absorbed? Reviews say that after using the drug inside, its absorption is weak. Although fatty foods improve its absorption.
The main metabolite of this medicine is albendazole sulfate, which is very effective in the treatment of tissue infections.
The half-life of the metabolite is 8.5 hours. At the same time, some of it is excreted in the urine, and the rest with bile.
Indications
The Zentel medication, reviews of which will be presented below, is used for intestinal forms of helminthiases.
Short-term therapy of this drug is intended for the treatment of Larva Migrans skin syndrome, and long-term therapy for systemic helminthic invasions.
Contraindications
The drug "Zentel", the price of which will be indicated below, is not recommended for use with hypersensitivity to its ingredients. Also, the medicine (in any form of release) is contraindicated in babies up to a year. In addition, the medication in tablets is not prescribed for children under three years of age.
The drug in question should not be taken for lesions of the retina, during breastfeeding, when planning pregnancy and in the process of bearing the fetus.
Instructions for use
Both forms of this drug are intended for oral administration. It is advisable to use tablets and suspension at the same time (with food).
The dosage and duration of treatment with this agent depend on the indications and are determined by the attending physician.
If the patient’s condition does not improve, then you should consult a doctor. If necessary, the patient may be recommended a second course.
Side effects
Taking the drug "Zentel" can provoke the following adverse reactions:
- itchy skin, nausea, elevated liver enzymes;
- leukopenia, rash, vomiting, hepatitis;
- diarrhea, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome;
- pain in the abdomen, aplastic anemia;
- reversible alopecia polymorphic erythema;
- agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, fever.
Overdose and interaction with other medicines
In case of an overdose of this drug, the patient has pronounced side effects.
When interacting with Cimetidine, Dexamethasone, and Praziquantel, the concentration of metabolites in the plasma increases. As a result, the risk of overdose increases significantly.
Price and consumer reviews
How much is the drug "Zentel"? The price of this medicine in the form of tablets is about 190 rubles. As for the suspension, it is a little more expensive (about 250 rubles).
Reviews about the tool in question can be found very different. In most cases, this drug copes with the task. After taking it, almost all the symptoms of helminthiasis disappear.
However, it should be noted that negative messages can be found about this medication, which indicate the presence of a large number of side effects. Therefore, for the prevention of helminthiasis and treatment of children, this tool is used with extreme caution.
In addition, there are reviews that the drug "Zentel" is not always effective. In most cases, these messages are left by patients who self-medicated. Therefore, experts recommend taking a suspension or tablets against parasites only as directed by a doctor.