Antiparasitic drugs are medications that treat parasitic infections. Parasites cause these infections. Parasites are tiny organisms that live inside or on people and animals. There are many antiparasitic medications. Each drug targets a particular parasite. They treat infections that can cause mild to severe symptoms.
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What are antiparasitic medications?
These drugs kill parasites or stop their growth. A parasite (or microorganism) is a microscopic organism. It can live in your body, on the skin and hair of other animals, or inside your own body. These animals or people are the “host”, and parasites receive their nutrients.
Different antiparasitic medications target different parasites. Some drugs can have dangerous side effects. Based on the type of parasite, your provider will recommend the appropriate drug and dosage.
What are antiparasitic medications used for?
Many infections caused by thousands of parasites can be treated with antiparasitic drugs. Three main types of parasites can make you sick. These are:
- Ectoparasites: Common types include pubic lice, head lice, lice, fleas and ticks. They are often found on the skin or hair of their host. Some ectoparasites, such as bedbugs, live on furniture or sheets. They will crawl on the host and bite their skin to get food.
- Helminths Roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms are all types of helminths. They live in your body. These worms can have many cells and organs.
- Protozoans These organisms only have one cell. A protozoa is an amoeba. These single-cell organisms can multiply within your body and are extremely small.
Parasites are responsible for billions of infections around the globe. There are many kinds of parasitic infections. Malaria is one of the most common parasitic diseases. Sometimes, parasites may cause gastroenteritis (stomach virus). Among the most common parasitic diseases in the United States are:
- Enterobiasis ( Pinworm Infection).
- Trichinosis and strongyloidiasis are all possible.
- Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease.
- Toxoplasmosis is a dangerous infection that can occur during pregnancy.
- Intestinal infections include giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis.
What is the mechanism of antiparasitic drugs?
There are many types of parasites and infections. Every antiparasitic medication is effective against a particular parasite. Healthcare providers match the medication to the parasite that is causing the infection. The following are the basic principles of antiparasitic drugs:
- The parasite must be killed or its eggs removed.
- Stopping the growth of the parasite.
- Paralyzing parasites to prevent them from attaching themselves to the host
You may be prescribed antiparasitic medication depending on the type and severity of the infection.
- Orally (by the mouth).
- Intravenously (through the needle).
- Topically (by applying medication to your skin and hair).
Who should take antiparasitic drugs
Antiparasitic medication is required for adults and children who have parasitic infections. Side effects can vary, and some side effects can be severe. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of antiparasitic medication and recommend the best treatment.
What are the different types of antiparasitic medications?
There are many types of antiparasitic medications. Healthcare providers divide the main types of antiparasitic drugs into three categories. Each drug treats the main three types of infection. These are the main antiparasitic medications:
- Antiprotozoal drugs are used to treat protozoa. Antimalarial drugs are also included.
- Antihelminthic drugs are used to treat parasitic worm-related infections.
- Providers use Ectoparasiticides to kill lice, scabies, and other ectoparasites.
What is the effectiveness of antiparasitic medications?
The medication can have a different effect on effectiveness. The majority of antiparasitic medications are effective. There isn’t one antiparasitic drug that can target all parasites. There is no treatment for some parasitic infections.
What are the side effects and risks of antiparasitic drugs used?
There are many side effects of antiparasitic medications. Some drugs can cause mild side effects. Some drugs can cause serious side effects such as behavioural changes, kidney damage, and problems with the nervous system. These are the most common side effects:
- Abdominal cramping, bloating, and diarrhoea are all possible. Other gastrointestinal (GI) issues include nausea, vomiting.
- Dizziness and drowsiness.
- Fever.
- Headaches.
- Itchy skin (pruritus).
- Rash.
This list is not exhaustive. Side effects can be severe with some antiparasitic medication types. These side effects include an abnormal heartbeat, vision problems, psychosis, and hallucinations. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully and immediately report any side effects.
