What are anti-helmintics?

What are anti-helmintics?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Anti-parasitic drugs
• C. Vaccines
• D. Antifungals

Answer: (B)

Anti-helmintics are drugs used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms. They’re a subset of anti-parasitic medications that specifically target helminths—like roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes—rather than bacteria, fungi, or viruses. This distinguishes them from antibiotics (which kill or inhibit bacteria), vaccines (which prevent infection by boosting immunity), and antifungals (which treat fungal infections). By disrupting the worm’s biology—such as its metabolism or ability to move—they help clear the infection and relieve symptoms. Common examples include medications like albendazole, mebendazole, praziquantel, and ivermectin.

Anti-helmintics are drugs used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms. They’re a subset of anti-parasitic medications that specifically target helminths—like roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes—rather than bacteria, fungi, or viruses. This distinguishes them from antibiotics (which kill or inhibit bacteria), vaccines (which prevent infection by boosting immunity), and antifungals (which treat fungal infections). By disrupting the worm’s biology—such as its metabolism or ability to move—they help clear the infection and relieve symptoms. Common examples include medications like albendazole, mebendazole, praziquantel, and ivermectin.