ANTHELMINTIC DRUGS
PREPARED BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
Infections caused by helminths(worms) are very common in India.
Helminths are of three types.
1. Tape
worms
2. Flukes
3. Round
worms
Anthelmintics- These are drugs used against
infections by helminths.
Most commonly used anthelmintics are
described below
·
Mebendazole
·
Albendazole
·
Thiabendazole
·
Ivermectin
·
Piperazine
MEBENDAZOLE
MOA
Mebendazole binds to beta tubulin of parasite and inhibits
synthesis of microtubules (microtubules
form part of cytoskeleton and provides structure and shape).
Mebendazole also
inhibits glucose uptake in parasites. Ultimately death of parasite
occurs.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Ø Diarrhea
Ø Abdominal
pain
Ø Nausea
Ø Allergic
reaction
Ø Loss
of hair
Ø Granulocytopenia
USES
Ø Used
for both roundworm and hookworm infections
ALBENDAZOLE
MOA
Same mechanism as that of mebendazole
ADVERSE EFFECT
Ø Liver
insufficiency
Ø Skin
rashes
Ø GI
upset
USES
Ø Used
in Ascaris infection
Ø Used
in trichinosis infection