antiworm

An antiworm, or anthelmintic, is a substance that expels or destroys parasitic worms, or helminths, from the body or prevents their development. Anthelmintics are used to treat helminth infections in humans and animals and are chosen according to the type of worm and the site of infection.

Helminths encompass nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flukes). Infections are common worldwide, particularly in areas with limited sanitation. Treatment aims to reduce parasite burden and related morbidity, and public health programs may combine drug therapy with sanitation improvements to curb transmission.

Drug classes and examples commonly used include benzimidazoles (such as albendazole and mebendazole), which inhibit parasite microtubule synthesis; praziquantel, which is effective against many cestodes and trematodes by increasing cell membrane permeability to calcium; niclosamide, which disrupts energy metabolism in tapeworms; ivermectin and other avermectins, which cause paralysis of nematodes by enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission; and pyrantel pamoate, a depolarizing neuromuscular agent that induces nematode paralysis. Nitazoxanide has broad antiparasitic activity and is used in various mixed infections, though its use as an anthelmintic varies by region.

Most anthelmintics are administered orally and generally have favorable safety profiles, though side effects can include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or dizziness. Safety considerations vary by drug and parasite, and treatment during pregnancy or in children requires medical guidance. Drug resistance can emerge with repeated use, especially in livestock, prompting combination therapies and integrated control measures to maintain effectiveness.