How Do Anthelmintics Work?

Anthelmintics are drugs used for treating parasitic infections. 

They kill parasites by:

• Binding to nerves and muscle cells and causing paralysis and eventually death of the parasite
• Blocking the transport of glucose by the cells and thus causing paralysis of the parasite
• Inhibiting the formation of the young worm from the adult worms

Anthelmintics are used for treating infections caused by:

• Roundworm
• Pinworm
• Hookworm
• Liver fluke
• Tapeworm

Some of the side effects of anthelmintics include:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Hair fall
• Fever
• Rash
• Anemia
• Acute liver failure
• Acute renal failure
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Sleepiness
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Blurred vision
• Edema

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of anthelmintics include:

• Albendazole
• Albenza
• Biltricide
• Diethylcarbamazine
• Egaten
• Emverm
• Hetrazan
• Ivermectin
• Mebendazole
• Moxidectin
• Pin rid
• Pin X
• Praziquantel
• Pyrantel pamoate
• Stromectol
• Triclabendazole
• Vermox