Anti Helminth drugs

Question 1

Albendazole

Answer 1

broad spectrum, inhibits microtubule polymerization binding to beta tubulin, larvicidal and ovicidal, taken orally, pinworms/ascaris/hookworms, also used in cestode larval infection

Question 2

Mebendazole

Answer 2

taken orally, poorly absorbed, inhibit microtubule formations, kills worm and eggs, CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY, long term rash and urticaria, infant can get convulsions, pinworms/ascaris/hookworms

Question 3

Diethylcarbamazine

Answer 3

immobilizes microfilariae, displaces from tissue making susceptible to host defenses, kills microfilariae and adult worms, orally taken, urine elimination, dosage reduced if renal impairment, “Mazzotti reaction” for heavy infection

Question 4

doxycycline

Answer 4

tetracycline antibiotic, works agains W bancrofti, kills wolbachia which is symbiont of filarrial parasites

Question 5

ivermectin

Answer 5

binds to glutamate gated chloride channels in nematode plasma membrane, doesn’t kill adults but prevents release of new microfilariae for at least 6 months, administered every 6-12 months for life expectancy of the worm, first choice for onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis, mazzotti reaction

Question 6

praziquantel

Answer 6

trematodes and cestodes (flukes and tapeworms), increases parasite cell permeability to calcium, used for schistosome

Question 7

pyrantel pamoate

Answer 7

neuromuscular blocking agent causes release of Ach and inhibition of Ach esterase, paralysis of worms followed by expulsion, orally taken, pinworms/ascaris/trichostrongylus/hookworms, inexpensive and is used as first choice in USA

Question 8

Drugs for Tx of nematodes (roundworms)

Answer 8

all anti helminth drugs given

Question 9

nematodes (roundworms)

Answer 9

ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm infections

Question 10

thiabendazole

Answer 10

topically for cutaneous larva migrans