Biowell Zeero 200mg Chewable Tablet

Biowell Zeero 200mg Chewable Tablet is a chewable tablet that contains albendazole 200 mg, a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic (antiparasitic) medicine. It is supplied under the Biowell brand in a box of 2 tablets, and DoctorOnCall lists it in its over-the-counter deworming category. The chewable format is meant to be chewed and then swallowed, which many families find easier than swallowing a standard tablet whole. Please note that the active ingredient of this product is albendazole, and it is not a vitamin or dietary supplement.

Albendazole has been used internationally for many decades and belongs to the same chemical family as mebendazole. After it is swallowed, albendazole is rapidly converted by the liver into albendazole sulfoxide, which is its main active form, and absorption is greater when the tablet is taken with a fatty meal. The body clears it mainly through bile and urine. Because the liver plays such a central role, people with liver disease need medical advice before taking it.

The two tablets in one box add up to a standard 400 mg single adult dose when both are taken together, so the pack is designed around a single dosing occasion rather than a long course. Albendazole is not suitable during pregnancy, and women who could be pregnant should get advice before taking it. A pharmacist can confirm the correct dose for young children, for whom age changes the amount. Keep the carton and leaflet so that the strength, batch number, and expiry date stay visible.

Chew the tablet thoroughly and then swallow it with a little water. It can be taken with or without food unless your doctor or pharmacist advises otherwise. Take the full dose at one time rather than splitting it across the day.

Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet and before handling food, and keep fingernails short and clean while you are taking this medicine. Stop and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if a rash, swelling, or yellowing of the skin or eyes develops.

Adults and children aged 2 years and above: 400 mg (two 200 mg chewable tablets) taken together as a single dose. Children aged 1 to 2 years: 200 mg (one tablet) as a single dose, only as advised by a doctor or pharmacist. This medicine is not recommended for children under 1 year of age.

Depending on the type of infection, a doctor or pharmacist may advise a second dose after 2 to 3 weeks. Do not repeat the dose or extend the course on your own. See a doctor if symptoms continue, if you have fever or severe abdominal pain, or if you are unsure what type of infection you have.

Use before the expiry date printed on the box and blister. Do not use tablets that are crumbled, discoloured, or sitting in a damaged blister.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of the reach of children.

• Known allergy (hypersensitivity) to albendazole, other benzimidazole medicines such as mebendazole, or any ingredient in the tablet.
• Pregnancy, and women who might be pregnant, because albendazole has caused harm to the unborn baby in animal studies.
• Children under 1 year of age.
• Breastfeeding mothers should speak to a doctor or pharmacist first.

• Cimetidine, praziquantel, and dexamethasone: these medicines can raise the level of the active form of albendazole in the blood. Tell your pharmacist if you take any of them.
• Phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital: these anti-seizure medicines can lower albendazole levels, so a doctor should advise on the dose.
• Ritonavir and theophylline: albendazole may affect the level of these medicines, so close monitoring may be needed.
• Food: a fatty meal increases the amount of albendazole absorbed. Alcohol is best avoided during treatment because both can burden the liver.

• Take both tablets at the same time if a 400 mg dose has been advised, rather than spreading them out.
• Chew the tablet properly before swallowing, and give young children a little water afterwards.
• All household members sharing the same living space may need to be assessed by a doctor or pharmacist, so speak to one rather than deciding on your own.
• Wash bedding, towels, and underwear in hot water and keep nails trimmed as general hygiene measures.
• Do not take this medicine if there is any chance that you are pregnant, and use reliable contraception while on treatment and for the period your pharmacist advises.
• Keep the leaflet from the pack, since it lists the exact strength and age limits.

Precautions: Albendazole should not be taken during pregnancy, and women of childbearing age should be sure they are not pregnant before taking it and should use reliable contraception during treatment and for the period advised by a pharmacist or doctor. Speak to a healthcare professional first if you are breastfeeding, have liver disease, or have a blood disorder. Give this medicine to young children only at the dose advised for their age. Do not take more than the dose on the label, and avoid alcohol during treatment.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fever, sore throat, unusual bruising, or a widespread rash after taking this tablet. Get medical advice if you are not sure what type of infection you have, if symptoms continue after the dose, or if the dose needs to be repeated. A pharmacist can also confirm the correct dose for a young child and check the tablet against other medicines you take.