Metrifonate

Metrifonate (also known as Trichlorfon) is a prodrug that is used as an anthelmintic agent. It was originally developed in the mid-20th century and has been used in both human and veterinary medicine. Metrifonate is primarily used to treat schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms.

History

Metrifonate was first synthesized in the 1950s as an insecticide. It was later found to have anthelmintic properties and was introduced for the treatment of schistosomiasis in the 1960s.

Pharmacology

Metrifonate is a prodrug that is metabolized in the body to its active form, dichlorvos. It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the nervous system. This leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine, causing paralysis and death of the parasite.

Clinical use

Metrifonate is used in the treatment of schistosomiasis, a disease caused by infection with Schistosoma parasites. It is particularly effective against Schistosoma haematobium, a species that causes urinary schistosomiasis.

Side effects

Common side effects of metrifonate include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as seizures, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Veterinary use

In addition to its use in human medicine, metrifonate is also used in veterinary medicine to treat parasitic infections in animals.

See also

• Schistosomiasis
• Prodrug
• Anthelmintic