What Are Anthelmintic Drugs and How They Work?

According to the statistics of the World Healthvariety of such parasites, which some are
Organization, more than two billion people, whichspecifically designed to destroy one particular
amount to almost one-third of the humanparasite.
population, harbors parasites. AnthelminticAnthelmintic drugs destroy these parasites in two
medication, which is commonly known asways. Vermifuges stun these unwanted guests
de-worming, helps eliminate such parasites andand make them unsettled while vermicides kill
worms from the body. The medication, whichthem outright. In both the cases, the worms can
destroys parasites effectively, is used toeasily be expelled from the body. Along with
de-worm animals too.pharmaceutical drugs, some natural compounds
Some parasites pester only a single species whileare also found to be effective in treating these
many have the propensity to affect and distributekinds of infestations.
between multiple species. The latter type canThe number of affected human beings is simply
easily affect humans because of their proximityastounding, which points out to the need for good
to animals. The usual symptoms of infectionhygienic practices. People need to be educated
ranges from loss of body weight, problems withabout effective strategies against this health
abdominal functioning, discomfort in the intestines,menace. Frequent washing of hands, keeping
hair loss or malnutrition.away from areas known to be breeding grounds
However, some parasites acquire immunity tofor such parasites etc are effective measures,
certain drugs over a period of time, and in suchbut the problem is that these parasitic attacks are
cases, multiple doses may be required. Theinfectious and can pass from one carrier to
process is approached in a delicate manner byanother.
physicians because the anthelmintic process canAgain, there is a chance for getting re-infected by
make the affected person or animal sicklier forthe same kind of works, if utmost care is not
short periods. Small dosages are the best betgiven. For example, people working with farm
here because heavy doses can pose healthanimals need to be doubly cautious and take
hazards to the parasitic host.precautionary measures. Dogs and cats can ingest
Depending on the type of parasite, a plethora ofthem from the food they hunt. This means that
anthelmintic medications, including ivermectin,your pet also needs to be administered
albendazole, mebendazole, diethylcarbamazine, andde-worming drugs periodically while you follow a
praziquantel, are commonly used. The dosage ishealthy and informed lifestyle in order to
determined by the seriousness of the situationpre-empt any chance of getting affected or
and the stage of life cycle in which the parasiticre-affected.
worm is. Some of these drugs can handle a