Antimicrobials

3.19 Antihelmintic

There are two major groups of parasitic helminths: the roundworms (Nematoda) and flatworms (Platyhelminthes). See Figure 3.19 for images of a tapeworm and a guinea worm.[1] Of the many species that exist in these groups, about half are parasitic and some are important human pathogens.

Indications: Anthelmintic medications target parasitic helminths.[2]

Mechanism of Action: Because helminths are multicellular eukaryotes like humans, developing drugs with selective toxicity against them is extremely challenging. Despite this, several effective classes have been developed. Many anthelmintic medications work by preventing microtubule formation within the parasitic cell, compromising glucose uptake. Others work by blocking neuronal transmission within the parasite, subsequently causing starvation, paralysis, and death of the worms. Additionally, many antihelminths inhibit ATP formation and impair calcium uptake inducing paralysis and death of the worms.[3]

Special Administration Considerations: Prolonged therapy using antihelmintic medication can result in liver damage and bone marrow suppression.

Client Teaching & Education: Clients on antihelmintic drug therapy should receive special instruction to ensure rigorous hygienic precautions to minimize the risk of reinfection.  They should also wash all bedding, linens, towels, and clothing following treatment to minimize reinfection risk.[4]

Photo of tapeworm. Second photo shows removal of tapeworm.
Figure 3.19.  A) The tapeworm Taenia saginata, that infects both cattle and humans. Eggs are microscopic, but the adult tapeworm like the one show here can reach 4-10 meters, taking up residence in the digestive system. B) An adult guinea worm, Dracunculus medinensis, is removed through a lesion in the patient’s skin by winding it around a matchstick
Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making Activity 3.18

Using the above information, consider the following clinical scenario question:

A mother reports that her four-year-old son had a worm in his stool this morning. They live on a dairy farm. She reports that her son enjoys being in the barn during chore time, and it is common for the livestock to develop “worms.” Mebendazole was prescribed. What client teaching should the nurse provide to the child and the mother?

Note: Answers to the activities can be found in the “Answer Key” sections at the end of the book.

  1. This work is a derivative of "Taenia saginata adult 5260 lores.jpg" and "Dracunculus medinensis.jpg" by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is licensed under CC0 ↵
  2. This work is a derivative of Microbiology by OpenStax licensed under CC BY 4.0. Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/microbiology/pages/1-introduction ↵
  3. This work is a derivative of Microbiology by OpenStax licensed under CC BY 4.0. Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/microbiology/pages/1-introduction ↵
  4. uCentral from Unbound Medicine. https://www.unboundmedicine.com/ucentral ↵

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Fundamentals of Nursing Pharmacology - 1st Canadian Edition Copyright © 2023 by Chippewa Valley Technical College; Amanda Egert; Kimberly Lee; and Manu Gill is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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