Oxamniquine

Oxamniquine is an anthelmintic drug that was developed in the 1960s by Pfizer. It is primarily used in the treatment of schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms.

History

Oxamniquine was developed by Pfizer in the 1960s as a response to the global health issue of schistosomiasis. The drug was specifically designed to treat infections caused by Schistosoma mansoni, one of the main species of schistosome that infects humans.

Pharmacology

Oxamniquine works by causing paralysis in the schistosome worm, preventing it from attaching to blood vessels and causing damage. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.

Clinical use

Oxamniquine is used in the treatment of schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni. It is administered orally, usually in a single dose. The drug is generally well-tolerated, with side effects including dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Resistance

Resistance to oxamniquine has been reported in some populations of S. mansoni. This has led to the development of new drugs, such as praziquantel, which is now the first-line treatment for schistosomiasis.

See also

• Schistosomiasis
• Praziquantel
• Anthelmintic