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Parasitic worms
Inhabit GI tract and other tissues and organs
of livestock
Classified into:
Roundworms (Nematodes)
Tapeworms (Cestodes)
Flatworms (Trematodes)
Helminth infection
Emaciation/debilitation
Anemia
Reduced productivity (milk, egg and meat
production)
Poor weight gain despite good appetite
Damage to vital organs
Intestinal or lymphatic obstruction
Anthelmintics or De-wormers
Available formulations:
Suspensions (meant for drenching)
Tablets
Pastes (e.g., Ivermectin for horses)
Injectable solutions
Anthelmintics
Avoidance of drug resistance
Careful diagnosis of worm infestation
By means of faecal examination
Or clinical signs manifested by the animal
Optimal withdrawal period
1. Benzimidazoles
Constitute the most frequently used group of
broad spectrum vermicidal drugs
Thiabendazole
Albendazole
Fenbendazole
Oxfendazole
Mebendazole
Triclabendazole
Cambendazole
Pro-drugs
Febental----- Fenbendazole & Oxibendazole
Netobimin ----- Albendazole
Bind to -tubulin (a structural protein) and
block the polymerization of tubulin into
microtubulin
Continual depolymerization at the other end
leads to complete breakdown of microtubules
2. Macrocyclic lactones
Avermectins (including Ivermectin,
Doramectin, Abamectin and Selamectin)
Milbimycins (which include Moxidectin and
Milbemycin oxime)
Known as endectocides
Active against endoparasites including
Nematodes
Lung worms
Immature heart worms
Ectoparasites
Cattle grubs
Mange mites
Lice
Horn flies
No activity against cestodes and trematodes
Adverse effects
Collie breed of dogs
Manifested by ataxia, salivation, mydriasis,
tremors, paresis, recumbency and coma
Intravenous administration of Physostigmine
Hypersensitivity reaction to dead parasites
3. Imidathiazoles
Levamisole, Tetramisole & Butamisole
Autonomic ganglionic stimulants
(cholinomimetics)
Cause activation of parasympathetic nervous
system
Blocking of fumerate reductase and
succinate oxidase enzymes
Broncho-constriction
Muscle tremors
Death (from asphyxia due to respiratory
muscle paralysis)
Horses and dogs are more susceptible to
adverse effects
Intoxication can be treated with Atropine &
Hexamethonium
4. Tetrahydropyrimidines
Pyrentel, Morentel and Oxantel
Act as depolarizing neuromuscular blockers
Paralysis of susceptible organisms
Slow expulsion of parasites from the host body
Active against adult & larval nematodes residing
in the lumen or on the mucosal surface
5. Organophosphates:
Inhibit acetylcholinesterase enzyme
Thus indirectly enhance the level of
acetylcholine
Interference with neuromuscular transmission
Trichlorfon, Dichlorvos & Coumaphos
Trichlorfon
Active against some nematodes of ruminants
Mainly used to treat ectoparasitic infestation
Drug interactions:
Anti-cholinesterase agents
Muscle relaxants
Aminoglycosides
Imidathiazoles
Organophosphate intoxication
Accidental overdosage
Licking of topically applied drug
Muscarinic signs (salivation, lacrymation &
diarrhea)
Nicotinic signs (muscle tremors & respiratory
paralysis)
Treatment:
Atropine + Pralidoxime
Organophosphates have been replaced by
much safer and broad spectrum anthelmintics
6. Isoquinolones (Praziquantel)
Increases the cell membrane permeability
causing rapid calcium influx
7. Salicylanilides
Niclosamide, Oxyclozanide and Refoxanide
Inhibit mitochondrial oxidative
phosphorylation
Interfere with anaerobic ATP generation
Niclosamide
Primarily used as an anticestodal drug
Oxyclozanide
Mainly effective against adult flukes