Pharmacology Quiz: Anthelmintics and Mebendazole

Anthelmintics

• Anthelmintics are drugs used to rid the body of worms (helminths)
• They can act locally to rid the GI tract of worms or work systemically to eradicate worms that are invading organs or tissues

Mebendazole (Vermox)

• A synthetic benzimidazole-derivative anthelmintic
• Mechanism of action: interferes with reproduction and survival of helminths by inhibiting the formation of microtubules and reversibly blocking glucose uptake
• Spectrum of activity: active against various nematodes, including Ancylostoma duodenale, Ascaris lumbricoides, Capillaria philippinensis, Enterobius vermicularis, Necator americanus, and Trichuris trichiura
• Therapeutic uses: treatment of single or mixed infections with the listed helminths
• Precautions and monitoring effects: abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea associated with expulsion of organisms; myelosuppression can occur at high doses; significant interactions with carbamazepine and phenytoin

Albendazole (Albenza)

• A synthetic benzimidazole-derivative anthelmintic
• Mechanism of action: same as Mebendazole
• Spectrum of activity: active against Taenia solium and Echinococcus granulosus
• Therapeutic uses: treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis in combination with corticosteroids and cystic hydatid disease
• Precautions and monitoring effects: administer with a fatty meal for optimal absorption; hepatotoxicity occurs in 16% of patients; liver function tests every 2 weeks are recommended; rare cases of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, and agranulocytosis

Diethylcarbamazine citrate (Hetrazan)

• A synthetic organic compound highly specific for several common parasites
• Mechanism of action: highly specific for several common parasites
• Spectrum of activity: active against Wuchereria bancrofti, Onchocerca volvulus, Brugia malayi, Mansonella perstans, Mansonella ozzardi, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Loa loa
• Therapeutic uses: treatment of Bancroft's filariasis, onchocerciasis, ascariasis, and loiasis
• Precautions and monitoring effects: patients may present with headache and general malaise; severe allergic phenomena in conjunction with a skin rash have been reported; patients may experience pruritus, facial edema, and systemic symptoms secondary to the inflammatory response caused by pathogen death

Test your knowledge of anthelmintic drugs, their mechanisms of action, and specific agents like Mebendazole. Learn how they rid the body of worms and parasites, and understand their therapeutic effects.