Other Drugs for Nematode Infections

This section is the grab bag of other medications used to treat nematode infections. 

Pyrantel pamoate causes neuromuscular blockade of the worm to stimulate detachment from the gastrointestinal tract, which allows for passage of the worms.  

Ivermectin works by interacting with chloride channels and inducing paralysis. Ivermectin can cause a Mazzotti reaction, which results from killing large amounts of microfilaria in onchocerciasis. Fever, somnolence, and hypotension are findings of the Mazzotti reaction.

Diethylcarbamazine is used to treat filariasis, which causes elephantiasis from blockage of lymph channels.

Class Drugs

• Pyrantel pamoate

• Ivermectin

• Diethylcarbamazine

Class Mechanism of Action

See individual drugs

Class Applications

Nematode infections

Class Adverse Effects

See individual drugs

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Pyrantel Pamoate	Nematodes; Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis); Hookworms (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale); Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides)	Mechanism; Neuromuscular blockade causes worm to release hold from intestinal tract and be expelled in the feces	"Pyramid" "Ant" "Pam"
Ivermectin	Strongyloidiasis; Onchocerciasis (river blindness); Treatment of creeping eruption (cutaneous larva migrans)	Mechanisms; Causes paralysis by interactions with chloride channel receptors; Adverse Effects; Mazzotti Reaction:; Fever, somnolence, hypotension; Result of killing large amounts of microfilaria in onchocerciasis	"Ivory" "Mecca" "Tin"
Diethylcarbamazine	Nematodes; Filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi):; -Lymph flow blocked by worms causing inflammation/swelling and fibrosis of lymph channels leading to elephantiasis		"Dice" "Ethel" "Car" "Maze"