Antiparasitic Medications - Types and Uses

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What are antiparasitic drugs?

Antiparasitic medications are drugs that treat parasitic infections. These infections result from parasites, which are tiny organisms that live on or inside of people and animals. There are many types of antiparasitic drugs. Each drug targets a specific parasite. The infections they treat cause symptoms that range from mild to severe.

What is the best antiparasitic drug?

Albendazole is the antiparasitic drug of choice for ascariasis, trichuriasis, trichinosis, cutaneous larva migrans, hookworm, and pinworm infections. It is also used to treat the majority of roundworm (nematode) diseases.

How do antiparasitic drugs work?

Each antiparasitic medication works on a specific parasite. Healthcare providers match the type of medication to the particular parasite that’s causing the infection. Antiparasitic drugs work by: Killing the parasite or the parasite’s eggs. Stopping the parasite’s growth. Paralyzing the parasites so they cannot attach themselves to the host.

When should antiparasitic agents be used?

In specific scenarios, antiparasitic agents are recommended in only certain patient populations as some parasite infections can resolve on their own without targeted treatment in otherwise healthy individuals. An example of this is toxoplasmosis.

Why are antiparasitic drugs not effective?

Antiparasitic drugs have many side effects and are relatively toxic. Moreover, they are often not effective. This is because the parasites become resistant to the used drugs. This is a huge problem. Therefore, new structures, “not recognized” by parasites, are constantly searched for.

What Is Antiparasitic Medications

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22945-antiparasitic-drugs
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544251/
3. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_the_best_antiparasitic_drug/article.htm
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiparasitic
5. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/what_is_the_best_antiparasitic_medication/article_em.htm
6. https://www.rxlist.com/how_do_antiparasitic_agents_work/drug-class.htm
7. https://www.singlecare.com/drug-classes/antiparasitics
8. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2811%2960055-4/fulltext
9. https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/17704

Antiparasitic Medications Information

1. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/parasitic-infections-an-overview/overview-of-parasitic-infections