Antihelmintics
Antihelmintics are drugs used to treat infections caused by helminths, including nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flukes). They are used in human and veterinary medicine and are chosen according to the parasite species and the site of infection. Treatment aims to eradicate parasites, relieve symptoms, and reduce transmission, often with single-dose or short-course regimens.
Common agents are grouped by mechanism. Benzimidazoles such as albendazole and mebendazole inhibit microtubule synthesis in
Indications include intestinal nematodes such as Ascaris and hookworms; tissue nematodes (strongyloides, filariae); cestodes such as
Resistance and safety concerns exist, including variable efficacy, adverse effects (GI symptoms, fever, hypersensitivity), and drug