Antihelminthic Drugs

Question 1

Mebendazole

Answer 1

MOA: binds to beta-tubulin, inhibits glucose uptake, inhibits microtubule assembly

intestinal helminths (trichinella spiralis)

Question 2

Albendazole

Answer 2

MOA:
1. binds to beta tubulin, inhibits microtubule assembly
2. inhibits fumarate reductase (parasite specific)
3. mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
- degradation of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria

DRUG of choice for intestinal nematodes
- ascaris lumbricoides
- trichuris trichiura
- hookworms
- pinworm

Question 3

Ivermectin

Answer 3

MOA: binds and activates invertebrate specific glutamate-gated chloride channels in neurons and myocytes
- influx of Cl-, paralysis

Intestinal helminths
strongyloidiasis
onchocerciasis
ectoparasites

Question 4

Piperazine

Answer 4

MOA: binds to GABA receptors
- hyperpolarization–> paralysis, worm expelled via intestinal peristalsis

Roundworms
- ascaris lumbricoides
- enterobius vermicularis

Question 5

pyrantel pamoate

Answer 5

opens ion channels of nicotinic cholinergic receptors
- muscle paralysis, intestinal peristalsis expelling worm

hookworm
roundworm

Question 6

Praziquantel

Answer 6

MOA:
- increases permeability of schistosome cell membrane to Ca2+
- interferes with adenosine uptake (inhibits DNA synthesis)

Taenia sp. (cestode)
Schistosomes (trematode)