Adverse metabolic effects of antiparasitic drugs.

Several drugs are available for mass campaigns against enteric helminths. Mebendazole and pyrantel pamoate are quite effective against ascariasis and reasonably effective against the hookworms. Only mebendazole is effective against trichuriasis. Two drugs have recently been introduced for mass therapy of schistosomiasis, but they remain experimental, pending further evaluation. Other drugs are mentioned, and possible adverse metabolic effects are discussed. The fundamental question remaining is whether the eradication of certain parasites will improve the nutritional status of the infected populations.