Pharm of Protozoans and Helminths Flashcards
what drugs are available for nematode infections?
benzimidazoles
Diethylcarbamazine
Ivermectin
Pyrantel pamoate
Doxycycline
anti-helminth
What are the types of Benzimidazoles?
Albendazole
Mebendazole
Thiabendazole
anti-helminth
MOA of Benzimidazoles
Binds beta-tubulin and inhibits polymerization of parasitic tubulin dimers into microtubules
other effects on the nematodes include - inhibition of mito fumerate reductase, decreased glucose transport causing depleted glycogen stores of larvae, uncoupling of ox-phos -> decreased energy production leads to parasite immobilization and death
Albendazole - PK and Adverse Effects
Benzimidazoles. poor absorption, distributes to CSF and hydatid cysts
hep metabolism w/ active metabolite, fecal excretion, half life 12 h
Adverse Effects - ab discomfort, diarrhea, rash, alopecia, dizziness
In high doses for Echinococcus Rx can cause hepatitis or myelosuppression
Albendazole - Therapeutic Uses
Broad Spectrum -
Intestinal nematodes,
Hydatid disease (echinococcus - cestode),
Neurocysticercosis
Lymphatic filariasis (combination with diethylcarbamezine or ivermectin)
high cure rates – Ascariasis (hookworm), Trichuras trichuria (whipworm), Necator, Ancylostoma, Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), Trichinella spiralis (undercooked meat)
Mebendazole
Benzimidazoles, anti-helminthic, poor oral absorption, widely distributed with hepatic metabolism
fecal excretion, half life is 3 hours - does the job in the intestines as long as it’s in the intestines
Active against Intestinal nematodes only
Adverse effects are abdominal pain, distention, diarrhea in cases of massive infection»_space; expulsion of GI worms
Thiabendazole
Benzimidazoles, anti-helminthic, rapidly absorbed
extensive hepatic metabolism with renal excretion of glucuronide and sulfate metabolites
short half life
Broad Spectrum - therapy is limited by toxicities
Used for cutaneous larva migrans - eruption of nematodal larvae
used for strongyloidiasis in the past but Ivermectin is now first line
Adverse effects in 50% + pts - diarrhea, headache, tinnitus, hypotension, bradycardia, allergic manifestations, crystallurai and abnormalities in liver function.
Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) - PK and MOA
Anti-helminthic, nematodal
oral with wide distribution, hepatic metabolism and renal excretion.
MOA in adult unknown, action against microfilaraie - inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism on the surface of microfilariae, this causes the nematode to be immobile and more susceptible to the host immune response
Therapeutic Uses of Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
Lymphatic filariasis: caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi/timori
One dose mass treatment with ivermectin/albendazole
Loa loa - microfilariae and adult filariae
Mansonella streptocirca (adult and micro-filariae)
contraindication in onchocerciasis
Adverse Effects of Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
anti-helminthic,
Anorexia, nausea, headache, vomiting (high dose)
Bancroftian, brugian filiariasis - lymphangitis, swelling and lymphoid abscess
Loiasis - skin wheals, heavy infections with severe side effects (retinal hemorrhages and severe encephalopathy)
Mazzotti reaction when rx Onchocerciasis – from killing of microfilariae – intense itching, papular rash, enlarged tender lymph nodes, tachycardia, arthralgia and headache. Ocular lesions.
Ivermectin
Anti-helminthic, nematodal
Oral, doesnt cross BBB, hepatic meta, fecal excretion, half life 18hr
MOA - induces tonic paralysis of parasite musculature by binding to glutamate-gated Cl- ion channels in invertebrate muscle and nerve cells ↑ permeability of the cell membrane causing hyperpolarization leads to the paralysis and death of the nematode
Ivermectin - Activity and Uses
Activity: anti-helminthic,
- Microfilaria (not adults) of W. bancrofit, B. malayi, L. loa, Mansella ozzardi
- A. lumbricoides, S. stercoralis, cutaneous larva migrans
Drug of choice for -
Onchocerciasis: aborts microfilariae from gravid female, decreases transmission
Strongyloidiasis: as effective as thiabendazole and better tolerated. More effective than albendazole
Contraindicated in meningitix
Adverse Effects of Ivermectin
Generally well tolerated
Mazzotti-like reaction due to killing of microfilariae but usually limited to mild itching and tender, swollen lymph nodes
seldom exacerbates oculra lesions
Loa encephalopathy with high loa microfilariae burden
not known to be safe in pregnancy or breast feeding
interacts with GABA drugs - benzos, barbituates and valproic acid
Doxycycline
Antibacterial that fights Wolbachia species (similar to Rickettsia) within filarial nematodes — Wuchereria and Oncocerca
Doxycycline x6 weeks causes sterility of the adult female
Pyrantel pamoate
anti-helminthic,
Treatment of pinworms caused by Enterobius vermicularis - nematodes - anti-helminthic
Poor oral absorption; Safe and effective
mechanism - Depolarizing NM blocking agent, activation of cholinergic nicotinic R in somatic muscles of nematodes causes a depolarizing blockade and paralysis
no marked effect on neuromuscular function
Praziquantel - Activity
anti-helminthic,
used against cestodes and flukes
- flat, segmented bodies that attach to host intestinal walls with hooks/suckers
Trematodes, parasitic flatworms (flukes)
Intestinal Cestodes - Taenia saginata (beef), Taenia solium (pork), Diphyllobothrium latum (broad fish), Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm)
Intestinal Trematode - Fasciolopsis buski (giant)
trematode tissue infections - Paragonimus westermani, Schistosoma mansoni (blood fluke), Schistosoma japonicum, and Schistosoma haematobium
Praziquantel - PK and MOA
anti-helminthic,
Oral; good bioavailability; CSF concentrations ~14-20% of plasma
plasma protein binding; extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism with renal excretion, short half life (1 - 4 hours)
MOA - increase cell permeability to Ca2_ whih increase muscular activity and causes spastic paralysis, causes detachment from blood vessel walls.
Damage exposes tegumental antigen - immune system activate
Adverse Effects of Praziquantel
anti-helminthic,
Generally safe - Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness - transient
Parasite destruction occasionally causes: fever, pruritus, urticaria, rashes, arthralgia, myalgia
In neurocysticercosis: there can be inflammatory reactions - meningismus, seizures, mental changes and CSY pleocytosis, delayed onset and last 2-3 days. Rx - analgesics and anticonvulsants
Safe in pregnancy
interacts with CYP3A4 induces
Triclabendazole
anti-helminthic
Drug of choice for the treatment of chronic fascioliasis in adults and children
Efficacy: • Single dose • Absence of adverse effects • High tolerability • High cure rate