Helminthic Drugs

Question 1

Albendazole treats lots of worms
Route:
MOA:
Distribution:

Answer 1

Route: Oral

MOA: Inhibition of microtubule polymerization by binding to β tubulin.

Distribution: Widely distributed to all body tissues, CSF and hydatid cysts Adverse Effects:

Question 2

Mebendazole
Route:
MOA:
Contraindication:

Answer 2

Route: Oral, rapidly metabolized by the liver

MOA: Inhibit microtubule formations

TERATOGENIC contraindicated in pregnancy

Question 3

Thiabendazole
Route:
MOA:

Answer 3

Route: Topical
MOA: Used cutaneous larva migrants due to systemic
toxicity.

Question 4

Pyrantel Pamoate
Route:
MOA:
Worms:

Answer 4

Route: Oral, not effective against tissue worms/ova. Works best in GI tract

MOA: Paralysis of worms followed by expulsion by causing the release of acetylcholine and inhibition of acetylcholine esterase

Worms: Pinworm, Ascaris, trichostrongylus, hookworm

Question 5

Diethylcarbamazine
Route:
MOA:
Adverse Effects:
Use:

Answer 5

Route: Oral, rapid

MOA: Microfilariae are rapidly killed. Adult worms are killed more slowly.

Adverse effects: Immune reaction to the release of
proteins from dying worms; “Mazzotti reaction”

Used for: Wuchereia , Brugia , Loa Loa

Question 6

Ivermectin
Route:
MOA:
Distribution: 
Worms:

Answer 6

Route: Oral

MOA: paralysis and death of worms by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels and potentiating the release of GABA

Distribution: Widely distributed to all tissues, does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

WormsL Onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis, lice, and scabies also

Question 7

Doxycycline
MOA:
Use:

Answer 7

MOA: They reversibly bind to the 30s subunit and prevent tRNA from accessing the A site

Use: onchocerciasiss and W bancrofti ,

Question 8

Praziquantel

Answer 8

Route: Oral

MOA: Increases the parasite cell permeability to calcium. Results in contraction and paralysis of the worm leading to detachment, dislodgment,
and death.

Trematodes (flukes) and Cestodes (tapeworms)