Description:

Tanzol Tablet 400mg  is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) medication containing albendazole. It is used to treat intestinal worm infections (helminthiasis), including single or mixed infestations caused by pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale/Necator americanus), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), threadworm, tapeworm (Taenia spp.), pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), and dwarf tapeworm. It may also be used for hydatid cyst disease (echinococcosis) in some regimens. The drug works by inhibiting microtubule formation in worms, leading to their immobilization and death.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx) in many regions, though often available over-the-counter (OTC) or through pharmacies in Ghana and similar markets for deworming purposes. Requires medical advice for confirmation of infection (e.g., stool test) and appropriate use, especially in children or prolonged regimens.

Therapeutic Category:

Anthelmintic / Broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agent (benzimidazole class for nematode and cestode infections).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each chewable tablet contains: Albendazole 400 mg. Excipients: q.s. (standard tablet components like fillers, binders, flavorings for chewable form; refer to label for full list).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: 400 mg strength chewable tablet (standard single-dose adult formulation; often supplied as individual tablets or strips of 1-4; differs from suspension variants like Tanzol 400mg/5ml).

Consume Type:

Oral (chewable tablet; chew thoroughly before swallowing; can be taken with or without food, but often with a fatty meal for better absorption in systemic infections like hydatid disease).

Directions/Usage: Dosage varies by infection type (follow doctor/pharmacist or label instructions; standard WHO/National guidelines for mass deworming or treatment):

• For pinworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm: Adults and children ≥2 years: 400 mg (1 tablet) as a single dose (may repeat after 2 weeks for pinworm). Children 1-2 years: 200 mg (half tablet or adjusted).
• For dwarf tapeworm or other: 400 mg once daily for 3 consecutive days.
• For hydatid disease or neurocysticercosis: 400 mg twice daily with meals for 28 days (cycles with breaks; specialist-supervised). Take with water; chewable—may be crushed for young children. Complete course; repeat dose may be needed in some infections. Not for routine use without indication.

Common Side Effects:

• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• Headache, dizziness
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Temporary hair loss/thinning (reversible)
• Rare: Liver enzyme elevation, fever, allergic reactions (rash, swelling), bone marrow suppression (with prolonged use). Most mild and transient; serious effects uncommon with single-dose use.

Package Type:

Blister pack or strip (often 1 tablet per strip or 4 tablets/box; chewable tablets in foil blisters with carton; individual or multi-tablet packs common in Ghana).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C), in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Take under medical supervision for confirmed infections (stool test recommended); not for routine prophylaxis without guidance.
• Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity, pregnancy (Category C—avoid in first trimester; teratogenic risk), or severe liver disease.
• Caution in children <1-2 years (dose adjustment), breastfeeding (consult doctor), or with eye infections (neurocysticercosis risk).
• Monitor liver function with prolonged use (e.g., hydatid treatment).
• May interact with certain drugs (e.g., cimetidine increases levels).
• Side effects like abdominal pain may indicate dying worms—report persistent or severe symptoms.
• Deworming often community-wide in endemic areas—follow local health guidelines.

Product Substitutes: Other albendazole 400 mg tablets in Ghana: Zentel (GSK), Albenza (generic), or generics from various importers (e.g., from Cipla, Sun Pharma). Alternatives: Mebendazole (Vermox) for similar worms, ivermectin (for strongyloidiasis/onchocerciasis), or praziquantel (for tapeworms/schistosomiasis)—consult doctor/pharmacist per infection type and local protocols (e.g., Ghana NTD programme favors albendazole for soil-transmitted helminths).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Shalina Laboratories Pvt Ltd

Country of Origin:

India.