Anthelmintics
An anthelmintic
drug is selectively lethal to
parasites that reside in the intestines and
other organs of host animals. Anthelmintics can achieve
this selective toxicity by either inhibiting the
metabolic process critical to the parasite, or by causing
the parasite to be exposed to a superior concentration of
drug than are the hosts cells.
The antiparasitic
efficacy is accomplished by interfering with the
integrity of the parasite cells, inhibiting neuromuscular
transmission and coordination, or mechanisms which defend
against host immunity, that ultimately lead to the
starvation, neuromuscular paralysis, death and removal of
the parasite.
In veterinary
medicine anthelmintics can be administered by drench,
paste, orally, topically, or by shot. Anthelmintics are
absorbed into the bloodstream and broadly distributed in
the body, counting the liver, where they are metabolized,
and eventually excreted in the feces and
urine.
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