Drug Therapy for Parasitic Infections

Parasite

Living organisms that survive at the expense of the host

What is the prototype for Amebicides?

Metronidazole

What is the prototype for Antibacterials?

Tetracycline

What is the prototype for Antimalarials?

Chloroquine Phosphate

What is the prototype for Antihelmintics?

Mebendazole

What is the prototype for Scabicide/Pediculicide?

Permethrin

What is the use of Amebicides?

Intestinal amebiasis, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis

What is the use of Antibacterials?

Used with other amebicides in the treatment of all forms of amebiasis

What is the use of Antimalarials?

Prophylaxis, treatment of acute malaria and suppression of malaria

What is the use of Antihelmintics?

Eradicate the parasite or decrease the infestation

What is the use for scabicide/pediculicide?

Treatment of active or prophylactic lice infestation

Amebiasis

A type of protozoal infection. Occurs more with anal sex, areas with poor sanitation, and ingestion of food or water contaminated with human feces containing amebic cysts. Untreated may cause ulcerations of colon and abscesses of liver

Trichomoniasis

Single-cell protozoan. Disease is usually spread by men who have no signs and symptoms of infection who engage in sexual intercourse. Women are more likely than men to be infected

Giardiasis

Affects children more than adults. Occurs when there is limited water treatment and poor sanitary conditions. Can cause community outbreaks of diarrhea

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

FAINT

F-Flushing

A- Alcohol (none!)

I- Increased Vomiting

N- Numbness and Tingling

T- Temperature (Increased)

May cause a metallic taste

What is the black box warning for Mertnidazole?

Has produced cancer in rats

Malaria

Caused by the protozoan parasite-5 species. Acute febrile illness with headache, chills, vomiting, and copious sweating. If not treated in the first 24 hours it may progress to death. Medication needs to be given at the same time each day

How does Cholorquine Phosphate work?

Interferes with parasite’s need for oxygen

Helminthiasis

Infestation of parasitic worms. Most often found in the GI tract

Mebendazole (Emverm)

Deprives worms of glucose. This medication must be chewed or crused.

Scabies

Caused by the “itch mite” that burrows into skin and lays eggs. Creates visible skin lesions

Pediculosis

Causes by one of 3 types of lice, major symptom is pruritis.

What is the black box warning for Permethrin (Nix)?

Other drugs in this class have caused neurological toxicities, seizures, and death