How to Take Zentel

Medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH

Last Updated: October 1, 2022 References

Zentel is an anti-parasitic medication used to treat infections from worms or other parasites. Using this medication properly requires careful guidance from your doctor, so follow all the instructions that the doctor gives. While you're taking the medication, watch for a number of possible side effects and keep in contact with your doctor so she can monitor how you respond to the dosage.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Obtaining the Prescription and Dosage

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1
Visit your doctor for a Zentel prescription to treat a parasitic infection. Zentel is not available over the counter, so you can only get it with a doctor’s prescription. Make an appointment for a prescription and an explanation on how to use Zentel.^{[1]
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- You’ll likely need to submit multiple stool samples (up to 3) to check for the presence of parasites. Once an infection has been confirmed by the stool sample, your doctor can prescribe Zentel to treat the infection.
2
Consult your doctor about the proper Zentel dose for you. When your doctor prescribes Zentel, she should explain exactly how you should take the medicine. The most common dose for children who weigh more than 60 kg (130 lb) is 400 mg. For adults, the dose is between 400 and 800 mg. This amount is usually split into 2 doses spaced equally throughout the day.^{[2]
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- If you’re unsure of anything, ask your doctor to write down the instructions for you.
- Note that doctors sometimes give you different instructions from what is listed on the packaging. If this is the case, follow your doctor’s instructions.
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3
Administer a dose of Zentel to a child based on their weight. Children can take Zentel safely, but give them 15 mg per kilogram daily split up into 2 evenly-spaced doses.^{[3]
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Research source} Do not administer Zentel to a child under 1 year old.
- Remember, follow all instructions from your doctor on giving Zentel to children.
- If your child has trouble swallowing or chewing a pill, crush the pill and make sure they take all the powder.
4
Repeat the dosage twice per day. The most common schedule for Zentel is twice per day with meals. Taking one dose with breakfast and one with dinner is any easy way to follow this dosage schedule.^{[4]
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- Remember, if your doctor tells you to follow a different schedule, follow their instructions.
5
Complete the full course of Zentel without stopping. Zentel needs to build up in your system over time to work properly, so take the medication for however long your doctor tells you to. If your doctor instructs you to take the medication for 2 weeks, don’t stop before 2 weeks are up.^{[5]
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- Only stop taking the medication early if your doctor tells you to.
- Contact your doctor for a replacement right away if you lose or drop any of your pills. Going off schedule with this medication can cause your infection to return.

Method 2

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Taking a Dose Correctly

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Eat before taking the medication. Unless your doctor advises you to take the medication on an empty stomach, always take Zentel with food. This helps activate the medication and lets it work properly.^{[6]
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- Zentel works especially well when there is fat in your stomach, so eat a meal with some good, unsaturated fats mixed in. Sources of healthy, unsaturated fats include fish, nuts, and beans.^{[7]
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Chew or crush the tablet if you can’t swallow it whole. Zentel can be taken whole or chewed. If you prefer swallowing a pill whole, wash the tablet down with a glass of water. If you have trouble swallowing pills whole, chew it up before swallowing.^{[8]
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- You can also crush the pill and swallow the powder.
Whether you chew, crush, or swallow the pill whole, this medication requires water for activation. Drink a whole glass of water with the dosage so there is enough liquid in your stomach.^{[9]
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4
Take the medicine as soon as possible if you miss a dose. It’s important to take this medication regularly, as directed, so it builds up in your system. If you miss a dose, take the medication as soon as you remember to. ^{[10]
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- The only exception to this rule is if it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the dose you missed and take the scheduled dosage normally. Do not take a double dose.

Method 3

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Staying Safe While Taking Zentel

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Avoid Zentel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Zentel can harm an unborn baby and should not be taken if you are pregnant. Inform your doctor if you suspect you may be pregnant before taking this medication. Zentel can also pass to your baby through breast milk, so do not take it if you are breastfeeding.^{[11]
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- Also avoid becoming pregnant while on Zentel. Use birth control for at least 3 days after your last dosage.
2
Inform your doctor if you take any medications or health problems. Zentel has a few interactions with other drugs. When your doctor prescribes Zentel, remind them of the medications and supplements you take regularly so they can check if there are any interactions. Also, let your doctor know if you have a liver condition. People who have liver conditions like cirrhosis may be harmed by Zentel.^{[12]
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- The following drugs have known interactions with Zentel: corticosteroids, cimetidine, praziquantel, and theophylline. Do not take Zentel if you are on these medications.
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Watch for common and serious side effects. Like all medication, Zentel has a few side effects associated with it. Most are harmless and will pass with time. Others are more serious. Contact your doctor if you experience any serious side effects.^{[13]
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- Common, harmless side effects include stomach pain, nausea, and fatigue.
- More serious side effects include a fever, dizziness, black stools, blood in your urine, chest pain, mouth sores, and bleeding gums. These could be the sign of a serious reaction. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.
4
Take precautions to avoid breaking your skin. For some patients, Zentel can temporarily lower the white blood cell and platelet count in their blood. This means you could be more susceptible to infections and cuts might bleed more than usual. Take extra steps to avoid injuries that could get infected.^{[14]
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- Brush your teeth gently to avoid cuts in your mouth.
- Wash your hands often and don’t touch your eyes or the inside of your nose.
- Wear gloves when using a knife or tools to prevent cuts.
- Avoid contact sports and other activities where bruising could occur.
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Stop operating machinery until you know how Zentel affects you. Some people experience dizziness or fatigue while taking Zentel. This is dangerous if you operate machinery or drive long distances. Avoid these activities for a few days to see if you experience these side effects.^{[15]
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- Contact your doctor for a note excusing you from work if you miss work time because of this medication.