Zentel is a brand name for the medication albendazole, which is used to treat various parasitic worm infections [1]. It is an anthelmintic medication [1].
What kinds of worm infections does albendazole treat?
Albendazole is effective against a range of parasitic infections, including neurocysticercosis (caused by tapeworm larvae in the brain), hydatid disease (caused by a tapeworm), giardiasis, and infections caused by pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms [1]. It works by preventing the worms from absorbing glucose, their primary source of energy, leading to their death [1].
How is Zentel (albendazole) administered and what are common side effects?
Zentel is typically taken orally, often with food [1]. Common side effects can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and temporary hair loss [1]. More serious side effects, though less common, can occur and medical attention should be sought if they arise [1].
When does the patent for albendazole expire?
Information regarding specific patent expiry dates for branded albendazole products like Zentel is tracked by services like DrugPatentWatch.com [2]. Patent protection generally grants a period of market exclusivity to the innovator drug [2]. Once patents expire, generic versions of the medication can become available [2].
Are there generic versions of albendazole available?
Following patent expiry, generic manufacturers can produce and market albendazole, often at a lower cost [2]. These generic versions are subject to regulatory approval to ensure they are bioequivalent to the brand-name drug [3].
Who manufactures Zentel?
Zentel is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) [4]. GSK is a global pharmaceutical company involved in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of a broad range of medicines and vaccines [5].
What are the regulatory approvals for albendazole?
Albendazole has received approval from regulatory bodies in various countries for its indicated uses in treating parasitic infections [1]. For example, it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific uses [1].
How does albendazole work to kill worms?
Albendazole functions as a microtubule-disrupting agent [1]. It binds to beta-tubulin in parasitic worms, inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin into microtubules [1]. This disruption interferes with essential cellular functions in the worms, such as glucose uptake and energy metabolism, ultimately leading to their immobility and death [1].
What is the difference between albendazole and other anthelmintics?
Albendazole is part of the benzimidazole class of anthelmintics, which are broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs [1]. Other anthelmintics include medications like praziquantel and mebendazole, each with varying spectrums of activity against different types of parasites [6]. The choice of anthelmintic depends on the specific parasitic infection being treated [6].
Are there any specific patient concerns regarding albendazole use?
Patients are typically advised to inform their healthcare provider about pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver disease, as albendazole is metabolized in the liver [1]. Concerns may also arise regarding potential drug interactions with other medications the patient may be taking [1]. Long-term use of albendazole should be under medical supervision [1].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/mtm/albendazole.html
[2] https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[3] https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research/comparing-brand-name-and-generic-drugs
[4] https://www.roche.com/media/releases/20110314_ Zentel.htm
[5] https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002971/