You know that there are various microorganisms in our bodies that cause diseases, right? Some of these organisms live inside our bodies or on our skin and feed on us. We call these "parasites". Things like pinworms in small children and head lice are good examples of this. So, today we are going to talk about the types of medicines that are given to treat such parasitic infections.
What are these antiparasitic drugs?
Simply put, these are drugs that are given to kill parasites in our bodies, stop their growth, or paralyze them and remove them from our bodies. These parasites are very small microorganisms, sometimes only visible under a microscope. Some live inside our bodies (such as in the intestines), while others live on our skin and hair.
Just think, there are thousands of different parasites in the world. Therefore, one medicine cannot treat all of them. There are specific, exactly suitable medicines for each parasite. Your doctor will determine exactly which parasite you are infected with and prescribe the most suitable medicine and dosage for you. Since some medicines can have side effects, it is very important to use them only as directed by your doctor.
The main types of parasites that trouble our bodies
Parasites that cause diseases in humans can be divided into three main groups. Let's understand these a little more clearly from this table.
| Parasite Type | Habitat and nature | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Ectoparasites | These people live outside our bodies, mainly on our skin or hair. Some live in bedding and furniture, and then come to our skin and suck our blood. | Head lice, fleas, ticks, bedbugs. |
| Worms (Helminths) | These are multicellular organisms. That means they even have body organs. Most live inside our bodies, especially in the digestive system. | Hookworms, Roundworms, Pinworms. |
| Protozoa | These are single-celled organisms. They are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Once inside the body, they divide and multiply rapidly, causing disease. | Amoeba, the malaria pathogen, Giardia. |
Common parasitic infections
Billions of people around the world suffer from parasitic infections. Here are some of the most common infections in our country:
- Pinworm infection (Enterobiasis or Pinworm infection)
- Various worm diseases such as roundworm infections (`Ascariasis`) and hookworm infections (`Hookworm disease`).
- Trichomoniasis - This is a sexually transmitted infection.
- Toxoplasmosis - A potentially very dangerous infection, especially during pregnancy.
- Gastrointestinal infections - diseases transmitted through contaminated food or water, such as Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis.
How does this medicine work inside the body?
As mentioned earlier, each drug only works on the specific parasite it is targeting. The doctor will select the most appropriate drug for the patient. In general, there are three ways in which these drugs work:
- The parasite or its eggs are completely killed.
- The parasite stops growing, that is, dividing and multiplying.
- Parasites are paralyzed. Then they cannot attach to our body's tissues. Then they are easily removed from the body.
The way we give this medicine also varies depending on the type of infection.
- Oral tablets or syrup
- Intravenously
- Cream or lotion applied to the skin or hair (Topically)
Are there any side effects to this medication?
Yes, absolutely. The side effects of these medications vary greatly. Some medications have very minor, tolerable side effects. But some medications can have serious side effects. That's why using them without medical advice is very dangerous .
The most common side effects that are often seen are:
- Stomach ache, bloating, and diarrhea
- Vomiting and nausea
- Dizziness , drowsiness, and fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Itching (Pruritus)
- Skin rash
This is not a complete list. Some serious side effects can include irregular heartbeat, vision changes, hallucinations, and even psychosis. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly and to notify your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms.
What happens if you take too much medicine (overdose)?
Taking this medicine in more than the prescribed dose or for longer than the prescribed period of time can cause serious health problems.
- Kidney failure
- Visual impairment can even lead to blindness.
- Damage to the nerves in the hands and feet.
- Hearing impairment and loss of body balance.
If something like this happens, you should immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Also, if you need information about any poisoning, you can call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital and seek medical advice.
Who needs to be especially careful when taking this medicine?
Before you take this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. The following people in particular should be very careful when taking this medication.
- Pregnant and nursing mothers: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medication, as some medications can harm an unborn baby.
- People with kidney disease: These medications are not suitable for people with kidney disease.
- People with weakened immune systems: If you have a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV or cancer, you should also tell your doctor.
The doctor will carefully examine your condition, consider the pros and cons of the medication, and provide you with the safest and most appropriate treatment.
Take-Home Message
- There are many types of antiparasitic drugs, and each drug is specific to a specific parasite.
- Never use these medications without medical advice, just because you feel like it or because someone else told you to.
- Follow the dosage and duration prescribed by your doctor exactly. If you are prescribed to take another dose after a few days, do not miss it.
- If you experience any side effects while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other chronic medical condition, please inform your doctor before taking any medication.
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