Anthelmintic Drugs Med Class- Quiz 2

Question 1

What are the 3 major groups of Helminths (WORMS) that infect humans?

Answer 1

1. Nematodes (elongated roundworms that cause infections in the intestine and the blood and tissues) (roundworm & hookworm)
2. Trematodes (leaf shaped flat worms that infect tissues) (fluke)
3. Cestodes (tapeworms) (pork tape worm!!! Aaaahhhhh)

Question 2

Mebendazole

Answer 2

-TREATS NEMATODES

-1st line treatment for whipworms, pinworms, hookworms, roundworms

-MOA: prevents polymerization in the parasite

-Affected worms are expelled in the
feces

-Do not use in pregnant patient

Question 3

What else can be used to treat nematodes?

Answer 3

-Pyrantel pamoate
-Thiabendazole
-Ivermectin
-Diethylcarbamazine

-Main ADE’s: Diarrhea/ n/v

Question 4

Praziquantel

Answer 4

-Agent of choice in the treatment for Schistosomiasis & trematode infections

-MOA: Causes paralysis of
parasites by increasing the
permeability of cell wall membrane
to Ca++

-Rapid absorption after oral dose—
should be taken with food

-Lot of drug-drug interactions

-ADEs—dizziness, malaise, headache, GI upset

-CI: Contraindicated for ocular cysticercosis

Question 5

Drugs Used to Treat
Cestodes (Tapeworms)

Answer 5

1. Niclosamide- NO LONGER USED TO TREAT IN THE US

-Albendazole:
-Primary action in treating cestodes
-Drug is erratically absorbed after oral dosing
-High fat meal increases absorption
-Extensive 1st pass metabolism
-ADEs mild if used for 3 days
-Long term ADE: risk of liver toxicity

-NOTE* Dying parasites may cause CNS inflammation and symptoms of headache, vomiting, fever, seizures*