Anthelmintics

Drugs for threadworms

Anthelmintics are effective in threadworm infections, but their use needs to be combined with hygienic measures to break the cycle of auto-infection. All members of the family require treatment.

MEBENDAZOLE:

Indications: Ancylostoma Duodenale Infection, Ascariasis, Enterobiasis, Necator Americanus Infection, Trichuriasis (threadworm, roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections).

Contraindications: Disease of Liver.

Dose and Administration: Threadworms, adult and child over 2 years, 100 mg as a single dose; if reinfection occurs second dose may be needed after 2 weeks. Whipworms, adult and child over 2 years, 100 mg twice daily for 3 days.

Drugs for hookworms

ALBENDAZOLE:

Indications: Echinococcus Granulosus Infection, Echinococcus Granulosus Infection of the Liver, Echinococcus Granulosus Infection of the Lung, and Echinococcus Granulosus Infection of the Peritoneum, Neurocysticercosis.

Contraindications: Disease of Liver, Anemia, and Neutropenic Disorder.

Dose and Administration: 400 mg by oral route as single dose with food.

Schistosomicides

PRAZIQUANTEL:

Indications: Clonorchiasis due to C. Sinensis, Opisthorchiasis, Schistosomiasis, Schistosomiasis due to S. Haematobium, Schistosomiasis due to S. Japonicum, Schistosomiasis due to S. Mansoni, Schistosomiasis due to S. Mekongi. Contraindications: Ocular Cysticercosis.

Dose and Administration: 25 mg/kg by oral route 3 times per day for 1 day doses not being less than 4 hours and not more than 6 hours apart.