Chong Kun Dang's anthelmintic eradicates parasites

Chong Kun Dang's anthelmintic drug, called Zelcom / Courtesy of Chong Kun Dang

By Jun Ji-hye

Cases of parasitic worm infections have been increasing in Korea despite higher living standards and growing awareness of the importance of sanitation in modern society.

This is partially attributed to diversified food ingredients and people's changing living habits, which have resulted in more diverse paths for parasites to enter the human body.

Health experts have cited foods such as raw fish and organic vegetables, and the presence of pets in the home as possible causes of parasitic worm infections, advising people to take anthelmintic drugs regularly to prevent the worms from spreading to others.

Chong Kun Dang, one of Korea's major pharmaceutical companies, said its anthelmintic drug, called Zelcom, helps eradicate parasitic worms for the whole family at once.

Zelcom, the anthelmintic drug flubendazole, rids the body of roundworms, pinworms, whipworms, hookworms and mixed infections, according to the company.

The drug kills the parasites and they decompose in the intestines, allowing them to be naturally digested and expelled from the body, the firm said.

The drug is produced in two different types ― tablets and liquid suspensions ― so, those who have difficulty swallowing pills, such as children, can take the drug more easily.

The company said the medication can be taken by infants over 12 months old. People of all ages can be treated with one tablet or one liquid dose at once.

This is compared to other products with albendazole that can be taken by infants over 24 months and require people to take the drugs twice.

“Parasites can be transmitted to others even if one of the family members has the worm,” a Chong Kun Dang official said. “Thus, it is important for the whole family to take the anthelmintic drugs together. Zelcom will help protect families from parasitic worms.”