Drugs for Tuberculosis, Fungal, and Parasitic Infections

Flashcards covering antiparasitic, antimalarial, and anthelmintic drugs, as well as helminthiasis and ectoparasites.

Antiparasitics

Antiparasitics (not used for malaria) work in several ways on DNA and RNA to kill protozoal parasites.

Antimalarials

Antimalarials inhibit the DNA and RNA enzymes necessary for the parasite Plasmodium to live and reproduce.

Anthelmintics

Anthelmintics destroy worms by paralyzing the parasite, killing it, and disrupting its adherence to the host site.

Albendazole (Albenza)

Used to treat certain types of tapeworms, flatworms, and roundworms. It kills the larvae by destroying the cytoplasm of the worm, disrupting the cellular function necessary for the survival of the worm.

Ivermectin (Stromectol)

Paralyzes certain kinds of roundworms.

Praziquantel (Biltricide)

Kills certain types of flukes and tapeworms by moving calcium into the cell membrane, which causes contraction and paralysis of the worm, dislodging it from the host site and killing it.

Pyrantel pamoate (Nemex)

Causes paralysis of the worm, which dislodges it from the intestines and allows it to be expelled through the stool; used for certain types of roundworm infestations (e.g., pinworms) and is available without a prescription.

Helminthiasis

The infestation when a patient has worms.

Ectoparasites

Head lice, body lice, and pubic lice are the most common.