Anthelmintics

This chapter discusses the agents currently available for the treatment of helmintic infections in humans. Current therapy for helmintic infections is dominated by praziquantel, benzimidazoles, and ivermectin. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for trematode infections including all types of schistosomiasis and various flukes. Ivermectin is the drug of choice for onchocerciasis and most other forms of filariasis, often used in combination with albendazole. Benzimidazoles are drugs of choice for most infections caused by nematodes. Unfortunately, no significant new classes of anthelmintic drugs have been introduced in nearly 20 years.

Keywords: antischistosomals; antifilarials; onchocerciasis; filariasis; schistosomiasis; benzimidazoles; ivermectin