antibioticsbooks

Benzimidazoles
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Agents: albendazole, thiabendazole
These drugs are used primarily to treat infections
caused by helminthes (worms), ranging from the
common pinworms found in children to pathogens
causing massive cystic lesions in the brain. Most
intestinal worm infections can be cured with a single
dose of these drugs; for tissue-invasive disease,
prolonged courses are necessary.
Mechanism of Action
The benzimidazoles interfere with elongation of
the microtubules that are responsible for parasitic
cellular structure, leading to a disruption of growth
and division.
Spectrum
Nematodes (roundworms): Ascaris lumbricoides
(roundworm), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm),
Necator americanus (hookworm), Stron gyloides
stercoralis (threadworm)
Cestodes (tapeworms): Echinococcus (liver abscess),
Taenia solium (neurocysticercosis)