Antihelminthic Drugs Question And Answers

Antihelminthic Drugs

Question 1. Write A Short Note On Albendazole.
Answer:

Albendazole is antihelminthic drug.

• It is a subsequently introduced congener of mebendazole.
• It retains the broad spectrum activity and excellent tolerability of its predecessor.
• It has the advantage of single-dose administration.

Albendazole Mechanism Of Action

• It acts probably by blocking glucose uptake in the parasite and depletion of its glycogen stores.
• The site of action of albendazole appears to be the microtubular protein “p tubulin” of the parasite. It binds to the P tubulin of susceptible worms with high affinity and inhibits its polymerization.
• Ascaris ova are killed.
• The hatching of nematode eggs and the larva is also inhibited.

Read And Learn More: Pharmacology Question And Answers

Albendazole Pharmacokinetics

It is given orally. The drug is erratically absorbed and fast food increases its absorption. Albendazole is metabolized in the liver. It releases an active metabolite albendazole sulphoxide which gets widely distributed inside the tissues including hydatid cysts.

Albendazole Adverse Effects

• Albendazole is well tolerated, only gastrointestinal side effects have been noted, i.e. vomiting, diarrhea, and epigastric distress.
• Few patients have felt dizziness.
• Prolonged use may cause, headache, fever, alopecia, jaundice, neutropenia, and hepatic dysfunction.

Albendazole Contraindication

• It exhibits embryotoxicity in pregnant women.
• It should be given with caution to patients with hepatic or renal disease.

Albendazole Uses

• Intestinal nematodes: Albendazole is highly effective against intestinal nematodes, roundworms, hookworm, pinworm, whipworm, threadworm, and also in mixed worm infestations.
• Neurocysticercosis: Albendazole is highly effective.
• Hydatid disease: Albendazole is the choice of drug for medical therapy.
• Filariasis: Single dose,i.e. 400 mg albendazole with diethyl carbamazepine citrate is given in lymphatic filariasis.
• Cutaneous larva migrans: Albendazole is an effective drug.

Question 2. Write A Short Note On Drugs Used In Mixedworm Manifestation.
Answer:

Antihelminthic drugs used in mixed worm infestations are:

• Albendazole
• Mebendazole
• Pyrantel pamoate.