What are anthelmintic medicines and how do they work?

According to World Health Organization statistics, more than two billion people, which is equivalent to almost a third of the human population, harbor parasites. Anthelmintic medicines, commonly known as dewormers, help eliminate such parasites and worms from the body. The drug, which effectively destroys parasites, is also used to deworm animals.

Some parasites bother only a single species, while many have a propensity to affect and spread among multiple species. This last type can easily affect humans due to its proximity to animals. The usual symptoms of infection range from loss of body weight, problems with abdominal function, discomfort in the intestines, hair loss or malnutrition.

However, some parasites acquire immunity to certain drugs over a period of time, and in such cases, multiple doses may be required. Doctors approach the process delicately because the anthelmintic process can make the affected person or animal ill for short periods. Small doses are the best bet here because high doses can pose health risks to the parasitic host.

Depending on the type of parasite, a host of anthelmintic drugs are commonly used, including ivermectin, albendazole, mebendazole, diethylcarbamazine, and praziquantel. The dose is determined by the severity of the situation and the stage of the life cycle in which the parasitic worm is. Some of these medications can handle a variety of such parasites, some of which are specifically designed to destroy a particular parasite.

Anthelmintic drugs destroy these parasites in two ways. Vermifuges stun these unwanted guests and make them uneasy, while vermicides kill them outright. In both cases, the worms can be easily expelled from the body. Along with pharmaceutical drugs, some natural compounds are also effective in treating these types of infestations.

The number of humans affected is simply staggering, pointing to the need for good hygiene practices. People need to be educated on effective strategies against this health threat. Frequent hand washing, staying away from areas known to be breeding grounds for such parasites, etc. are effective measures, but the problem is that these parasite attacks are infectious and can be passed from carrier to carrier.

Again, there is always the possibility of getting infected again with the same type of works, if you are not very careful. For example, people who work with farm animals need to be doubly cautious and take precautionary measures. Dogs and cats can ingest them from the food they hunt. This means that your pet also needs regular deworming medication while leading a healthy and informed lifestyle to avoid any chance of it being affected or re-affected.