Anti-Parasitic, Scabicide & Anthelmintics

Anti-parasitic drugs are used for the treatment of parasitic infections.

Anthelmintics are medications that are used to treat infections with parasitic worms, such as flukes, tapeworms, round worms, nematodes. Despite the prevalence of parasitic worms, anthelmintic drug development is unfavourable for the pharmaceutical industry.

Scabicides (pediculicides) are chemical insecticides used to treat scabies. These agents kill scabies mites, and some also kill mite eggs.

Anthelmintics

Scabicide

Scabies

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by a species of mite that is very small. Scabies is found worldwide among people of all groups and ages. It is spread by direct contact with infected individuals and less often by sharing clothing or bedding. Sometimes whole families are affected.

Creams and lotions are applied all over the body. It may be necessary to treat the whole family or sexual partners of infected individuals, even if no symptoms are present. Many treatments are available. The most commonly used cream is Elimite (permethrin). In difficult cases, an oral antibiotic called ivermectin may be used. Itching may persist after treatment begins, but will disappear if treatment continues exactly as your health care provider prescribes.

Scabicide Agents

• Elimite (Permethrin 5%)

Worm infections

Usually a single tablet of mebendazole (Vermox) is quite enough. This can sometimes be repeated a week later or, if parasitic (worm) infection persists, three weeks later. Another anti-parasitic medication is albendazole (Albenza). Pyrantel pamoate (Pin-Rid, Pin-X) is available over-the-counter for pinworm.

Last Updated: July 2010