What is the recommended treatment for parasitic infections?

From the Guidelines

The recommended treatment for parasitic infections typically involves antiparasitic medications specific to the type of parasite involved, with albendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin being common choices for various helminth infections, as supported by recent guidelines 1.

Key Considerations

• The choice of antiparasitic medication depends on the type of parasite, with different medications effective against different species.
• Proper hygiene measures, including handwashing and proper food preparation, are crucial to prevent reinfection.
• Supportive care may be necessary to address symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, or nutritional deficiencies.

Medication Options

• Albendazole is recommended for many helminth infections, including ascariasis, at a dose of 400 mg once or twice daily for 1-3 days 1.
• Mebendazole is also effective against certain helminth infections, such as whipworm, at a dose of 100 mg twice daily in combination with ivermectin for 3 days 1.
• Ivermectin is used for strongyloidiasis and scabies, typically at a dose of 200 mcg/kg as a single dose, sometimes repeated.

Additional Considerations

• For severe or complicated infections, hospitalization and additional treatments may be required.
• Follow-up testing is often recommended to ensure complete eradication of the parasite.
• The use of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy may be recommended in certain cases, such as in the treatment of neurocysticercosis, to reduce inflammation and prevent complications 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

For those animals living where reinfections are likely to occur, clients should be instructed in the steps to optimize prevention; otherwise, retreatment may be necessary. Dogs infected with E multilocularis should be treated to prevent exposure of humans to infective eggs and to break the parasite's life cycle. The dosage of Drontal Plus Taste Tabs Tablets for removal of E. multilocularis is the same as that indicated for the removal of the other tapeworm species listed on the label STROMECTOL is indicated for the treatment of the following infections: Strongyloidiasis of the intestinal tract. STROMECTOL is indicated for the treatment of onchocerciasis due to the nematode parasite Onchocerca volvulus.

The recommended treatment for parasitic infections includes:

• Praziquantel (PO) for the removal of tapeworm species, including E. multilocularis, with a dosage as indicated on the label and retreatment at 21-26 day intervals if necessary 2.
• Ivermectin (PO) for the treatment of strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, with a single 200-mcg/kg dose for strongyloidiasis 3. Key points to consider:
• The treatment should be based on the type of parasitic infection and the specific parasite involved.
• Regular treatment and prevention measures may be necessary to prevent reinfection.
• It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and treatment schedule to ensure effective treatment and prevent the shedding of infectious eggs.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Parasitic Infections

The treatment for parasitic infections typically involves the use of anthelmintic drugs, which are designed to target and eliminate parasites from the body. Some of the most commonly used anthelmintics include:

• Albendazole: a broad-spectrum anthelmintic effective against a wide range of parasites, including intestinal nematodes, tissue nematodes, and cestodes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
• Mebendazole: another broad-spectrum anthelmintic used to treat various parasitic infections, including intestinal nematodes and cestodes 4, 7
• Ivermectin: an anthelmintic used to treat onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and other parasitic infections 6, 7
• Praziquantel: an anthelmintic used to treat schistosome infections and other trematode infections 7

Efficacy and Safety of Anthelmintic Drugs

The efficacy and safety of anthelmintic drugs have been extensively studied in various clinical trials. For example:

• Albendazole has been shown to be highly effective in treating intestinal nematode infections, with cure rates ranging from 90% to 100% 5
• Mebendazole has also been shown to be effective in treating intestinal nematode infections, although its efficacy may be lower than that of albendazole 4
• Ivermectin has been shown to be effective in treating onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, although its use may be associated with adverse effects such as death of microfilariae or damage to adult worms 7
• Praziquantel has been shown to be effective in treating schistosome infections and other trematode infections, although its use may be associated with adverse effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhea 7

Resistance to Anthelmintic Drugs

The development of resistance to anthelmintic drugs is a growing concern, particularly in areas where these drugs are widely used. For example:

• Resistance to albendazole and mebendazole has been reported in some species of parasites, including hookworms and Trichuris trichiura 4
• Resistance to ivermectin has also been reported in some species of parasites, including Onchocerca volvulus 7
• The use of combination therapy, where multiple anthelmintic drugs are used together, may help to reduce the risk of resistance and improve treatment outcomes 8