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Helminths & Anthelmintics
-: PRESENTED BY :-
Prof. Zeeshan Nathani
M.Pharm
Dept. pharmacology
PROF. RAVINDRA NIKAM COLLEGE OF B. PHARMACY
GONDHUR, DHULE 424001
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Helminths is a general term for parasitic worms that can
infect the body and cause various diseases.
They are typically categorized into three major groups.
Nematodes (Roundworms)
Cestodes (Tapeworms)
Trematodes (Flukes)
Helminths
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1. Nematodes (Roundworms)
These are cylindrical worms and are the most common type of
helminths.
They can infect the intestines, blood vessels, and other organs.
Examples include:
Ascaris lumbricoides (giant roundworm)
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)
Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm)
Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (hookworms)
Nematodes
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2. Cestodes (Tapeworms)
These flat, segmented worms can grow very long and are usually
found in the intestines.
They absorb nutrients directly through their skin.
Tapeworms can be contracted by eating undercooked meat.
Examples include:
Taenia solium (pork tapeworm)
Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm)
Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm)
Cestodes
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Trematodes (Flukes)
These are flat, leaf-shaped worms that can infect various organs in
the body, such as the liver, lungs, and blood vessels.
Flukes are often transmitted through contaminated water or food.
Examples include:
Schistosoma species (causing schistosomiasis)
Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke)
Paragonimus westermani (lung fluke)
Trematodes
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Transmission:
Helminths are typically transmitted through contaminated food,
water, soil, or direct contact with infected animals or human hosts.
Symptoms:
Depending on the type and severity of the infection, symptoms can
range from mild digestive issues to more serious conditions, such as
anemia, malnutrition, organ damage, or chronic pain.
Transmission and Symptoms
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Diagnosis
usually involves stool samples, blood tests, imaging studies, or tissue
biopsies.
Treatment
Helminth infections are often treated with antiparasitic medications,
such as albendazole, mebendazole, praziquantel, or ivermectin,
depending on the type of helminth.
Diagnosis and Treatment
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What are Anthelmintics
What are Anthelmintics
• Drugs used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms
(helminths).
• These include roundworms (nematodes), tapeworms
(cestodes), and flukes (trematodes).
Purpose of Anthelmintics
Eliminate or inhibit the growth and reproduction of parasitic
worms in the human body.
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A. Based on the Targeted Worm Type:
1. Anti-nematodal (for roundworms):
Mebendazole
Albendazole
Pyrantel pamoate
2. Anti-cestodal (for tapeworms):
Praziquantel
Niclosamide
3. Anti-trematodal (for flukes):
Praziquantel
Triclabendazole
Classification of Anthelmintics
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B. Based on Mechanism of Action:
1. Affecting worm's energy metabolism: These drugs inhibit energy production
within the parasite.
Example: Mebendazole, Albendazole.
2. Paralyzing the worm's nervous system: This prevents the worm from maintaining
its position in the intestines or causes it to expel itself.
Example: Pyrantel pamoate.
3. Damaging the worm's structure: Some drugs damage the worm’s cuticle,
tegument, or cells.
Example: Praziquantel, Niclosamide.
4. Interfering with parasite’s growth: Some prevent the worm from growing, thereby
inhibiting its reproductive capacity.
Example: Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) for filarial worms.
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Mechanism of Action
Mebendazole/Albendazole: Inhibit microtubule polymerization
in helminths, leading to cell death.
Pyrantel Pamoate: Induces paralysis in worms, causing them to
be expelled from the body.
Praziquantel: Increases membrane permeability, leading to
muscle contraction and death of the worm.
Niclosamide: Inhibits mitochondrial function, disrupting energy
production in tapeworms.
Mechanism of Action
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• Absorption: Varies; some are poorly absorbed (local
action), while others are absorbed systemically.
• Distribution: Widely distributed, especially drugs like
Albendazole and Praziquantel, which reach multiple
tissues.
• Metabolism: Primarily in the liver, with the formation of
active metabolites.
• Excretion: Mostly through urine or feces.
Pharmacokinetics of Anthelmintics
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Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
Liver Toxicity: Elevated liver enzymes or liver damage (common
with Albendazole).
Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, or anaphylaxis in rare cases.
Central Nervous System Effects: Headaches, dizziness, or seizures
(with drugs like Albendazole).
Bone Marrow Suppression: Rare side effects include neutropenia
and thrombocytopenia.
Common Adverse Effects
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Roundworm Infections: Ascariasis, Hookworm, Trichuriasis.
Treated with Mebendazole, Albendazole.
Tapeworm Infections: Taeniasis, Cysticercosis.
Treated with Niclosamide, Praziquantel.
Fluke Infections: Schistosomiasis, Fascioliasis.
Treated with Praziquantel, Triclabendazole.
Filarial Infections: Lymphatic filariasis, Onchocerciasis.
Treated with Diethylcarbamazine.
Other Uses: Strongyloidiasis (Ivermectin), Giardiasis
(Albendazole).
Uses of Anthelmintics
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Drug Target Worm Mechanism of Action Common Side Effects
Albendazole Nematodes, Cestodes
Inhibits tubulin
polymerization
GI disturbances, liver
toxicity
Mebendazole Nematodes
Inhibits microtubule
polymerization
GI upset, headache,
dizziness
Pyrantel Pamoate
Nematodes (e.g.,
pinworms)
Neuromuscular
paralysis
GI upset, dizziness
Praziquantel Cestodes, Trematodes
Increases cell
membrane
permeability
Headache, dizziness,
GI upset
Diethylcarbamazine
(DEC)
Filarial worms
Modulates immune
response, kills larvae
Fever, rash, lymphatic
swelling
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