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Anthelmintic Agents

What Are Anthelmintics?

  • Anthelmintics (also called antihelminthic or vermifuge drugs) are medications used to eliminate parasitic worms (helminths) from the human or animal body.

Helminths (Parasitic Worms)

  • Helminths are multicellular, worm-like organisms that cause various infections.

  • They are classified into three major groups:

    1. Nematodes (Roundworms): e.g., Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworms

    2. Cestodes (Tapeworms): e.g., Taenia saginata, Taenia solium

    3. Trematodes (Flukes): e.g., Schistosoma species

Mechanism of Action of Anthelmintic Drugs

  • Anthelmintic drugs work by targeting specific biological processes in parasites, leading to:

    • Immobilization (paralysis of the worm)

    • Death (disrupting metabolism or structural integrity)

    • Expulsion (elimination from the body)

  • The exact mechanism depends on the type of drug and the helminth being treated.

Classification of Anthelmintic Agents

Classification of Anthelmintic Agents

1) Drugs for Nematode (Roundworm) Infections

  • Diethylcarbamazine Citrate

  • Thiabendazole

  • Mebendazole

  • Albendazole

  • Ivermectin

2) Drugs for Cestode (Tapeworm) Infections

  • Niclosamide

3) Drugs for Trematode (Fluke) Infections

  • Oxamniquine

  • Praziquantel

Anthelmintic drugs play a vital role in controlling parasitic worm infections and improving overall health outcomes. The choice of drug depends on the type of helminth, severity of infection, and patient condition


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