Hookworm in Emergency Medicine Medication
- Author: Anika Baxter Tam, MD; Chief Editor: Rick Kulkarni, MD more...
Medication Summary
The list of drugs used to treat parasitic infections is varied and extensive.[2] The treatment of parasitic infestations is based on the specific parasite and the particular phase of the disease.
Anthelmintics
Class Summary
Parasite biochemical pathways are quite different from those of the human host. This difference permits effective treatment using directed pharmacologic agents in relatively small doses.
Mebendazole (Vermox)
Causes worm death by selectively and irreversibly blocking uptake of glucose and other nutrients in susceptible adult intestine where helminths dwell.
Albendazole (Albenza)
Decreases ATP production in worm, causing energy depletion, immobilization, and finally death.
Pyrantel pamoate (Antiminth, Pin-X)
Causes worm paralysis by a depolarizing neuromuscular blockade.
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