B Pharmacy

Chemical Structure / Formula of Ivermectin Formula: C₄₈H₇₄O₁₄ Structure: Macrocyclic lactone derivative. Mechanism of Action Binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels, causing worm paralysis and death. Uses of Ivermectin Onchocerciasis (river blindness). Strongyloidiasis, scabies, lice. Side Effects Mild pruritus, dizziness, Mazzotti reaction.

Chemical Structure / Formula of Praziquantel Formula: C₁₉H₂₄N₂O₂ Structure: Pyrazinoisoquinoline derivative. Mechanism of Action Increases calcium permeability in worms, causing tetanic contraction and death. Uses of Praziquantel Schistosomiasis, Cestode (tapeworm) infections. Side Effects Dizziness, abdominal pain, urticaria.

Chemical Structure / Formula of Niclosamide Formula: C₁₃H₈Cl₂N₂O₄ Structure: Salicylanilide derivative. Mechanism of Action Inhibits ATP synthesis in tapeworms, causing energy depletion. Uses of Niclosamide Taeniasis (tapeworm infections). Side Effects GI upset, allergic reactions.

Chemical Structure / Formula of Oxamniquine Formula: C₁₄H₂₁N₃O₃ Structure: Aminoquinoline derivative. Mechanism of Action Causes DNA strand breaks in Schistosoma, leading to worm paralysis. Uses of Oxamniquine Schistosomiasis (S. mansoni). Side Effects Dizziness, headache, hepatotoxicity.

Chemical Structure / Formula of Albendazole Formula: C₁₂H₁₅N₃O₂S Structure: Benzimidazole derivative with a sulfur (-S) group. Mechanism of Action Inhibits tubulin polymerization, leading to parasite death. Uses of Albendazole Neurocysticercosis (Taenia solium larvae in the brain). Hydatid disease (Echinococcus). Side Effects Hepatotoxicity, bone marrow suppression.

Chemical Structure / Formula of Mebendazole (MBZ) Formula: C₁₆H₁₃N₃O₃ Structure: Benzimidazole derivative with carbamate (-NHCOO-) group. Mechanism of Action Binds to β-tubulin, preventing microtubule formation, leading to worm paralysis and death. Uses of Mebendazole (MBZ) Broad-spectrum anthelmintic for ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm, enterobiasis (pinworm), strongyloidiasis. Side Effects GI discomfort, hepatotoxicity. Bone marrow suppression (rare, high doses). … Read more

Chemical Structure / Formula of Thiabendazole Formula: C₁₀H₇N₃S Structure: A benzimidazole derivative with a thiazole ring. Mechanism of Action Inhibits microtubule synthesis, disrupting worm metabolism and reproduction. Inhibits mitochondrial fumarate reductase, affecting parasite energy production. Uses of Thiabendazole Strongyloidiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, Trichinosis. Side Effects GI upset, dizziness, hepatotoxicity. Hypersensitivity reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

Chemical Structure / Formula of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) Formula: C10H21N3O · C6H8O7 (Citrate salt) Structure: A piperazine derivative with a urea (-NHCONH-) group. Mechanism of Action Inhibits arachidonic acid metabolism in microfilariae, making them more susceptible to immune attack. Interferes with neuromuscular transmission, causing paralysis and death of the worms. Uses Filarial infections (Wuchereria bancrofti, … Read more

What Are Anthelmintic Agents? 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: Nematodes (Roundworms): e.g., Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworms Cestodes (Tapeworms): e.g., Taenia saginata, … Read more

Chemical Structure / Formula of Eflornithine Formula: C₆H₁₂F₂N₂O₂ Mechanism of Action Inhibits ornithine decarboxylase, blocking polyamine synthesis, which is essential for Trypanosoma growth. Uses of Eflornithine Trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness: first-line for late-stage disease). Side Effects Bone marrow suppression (anemia, leukopenia). Seizures, neurotoxicity.