Antiparasitic medication
Antiparasitic Medication
Antiparasitic medication (pronunciation: an-ti-par-a-sit-ic med-i-ca-tion) is a type of pharmaceutical drug designed to combat parasites within or on the body of a host organism.
Etymology
The term "antiparasitic" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning against, and "parasitos" meaning one who eats at the table of another. The term "medication" comes from the Latin "medicatio" meaning a healing process.
Types of Antiparasitic Medication
There are several types of antiparasitic medications, each designed to combat a specific type of parasite. These include:
- Anthelmintics: These are used to treat infections caused by helminths, a type of parasitic worm. Examples include mebendazole and albendazole.
- Antiprotozoals: These are used to treat infections caused by protozoa, a group of single-celled organisms. Examples include metronidazole and tinidazole.
- Ectoparasiticides: These are used to treat infections caused by ectoparasites, parasites that live on the surface of the host. Examples include permethrin and malathion.
Usage and Administration
Antiparasitic medications can be administered orally, topically, or by injection, depending on the type of parasite and the location of the infection. The dosage and duration of treatment vary based on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health.
Side Effects
Like all medications, antiparasitic drugs can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, they can cause serious side effects like liver damage or blood disorders.
Related Terms
- Parasitology: The study of parasites and their effects on their hosts.
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on an organism of another species and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
- Pharmaceutical drug: A drug used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease.
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