Ocular Cysticercosis Medication

Updated: Aug 17, 2018
  • Author: Jean Deschênes, MD, FRCSC; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy, Sr, MD  more...
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Medication

Anthelmintics

Class Summary

Parasite biochemical pathways are different from those of the human host; thus, toxicity is directed to the parasite, egg, or larvae.

Albendazole (Albenza)

Broad-spectrum anthelmintic. It is a cysticidal drug and destroys approximately 85% of cysts with a single course.

Praziquantel (Biltricide)

Antihelminthic that induces rapid contraction of schistosomes by a specific effect on permeability of the cell membrane. Drug further causes vacuolization and disintegration of the schistosome tegument. Destroys approximately 75% of cysts with a single course.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

Have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, these agents modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

Prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone)

Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid; causes profound and varied metabolic effects and modifies the body's immune responses to diverse stimuli.

Dexamethasone (Decadron, AK-Dex)

Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid; causes profound and varied metabolic effects and modifies the body's immune responses to diverse stimuli. Use in patients with cysticercal encephalitis or in patients with severe mass effect, edema, or vasculitis if preferred over prednisone.

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