Antiparasitics are used in the control of various parasites. They act against parasites that live on the host (ectoparasites) as well as parasites that infest the inside of the host (endoparasites). There are also preparations that act against both forms of parasites at the same time.
What are antiparasitic drugs?
Antiparasitics fight the many different types of parasites. External parasites include lice, ticks, and mites, for example. Antiparasitics fight the numerous different types of parasites. Parasites are different life forms that can infest humans either externally or internally. External parasites include such things as lice, ticks and mites. Internal parasites would be the tapeworm and other worm species that colonize the intestines and there are also various protozoa that can infest their host internally. Parasite infections can bring unpleasant side effects, and in some cases can cause serious problems or secondary diseases. Therefore, a parasite infestation should always be treated with an appropriate antiparasitic agent. The quicker the treatment is carried out, the quicker all parasites are eliminated. The more these spread on or in the body, the more complex is usually also the successful fight.
Medical application, effect and use
There are several types of antiparasitic drugs. They decide in both their active ingredient and their mode of action. Some antiparasitics contain certain poisons that specifically kill the parasites. This also reliably kills the larvae and eggs of the parasites. Other preparations do not have quite such a radical effect and, for example, only ensure infertility in the female animals. This means that the parasite strain can no longer reproduce. However, eggs that have already been laid are often still completely intact. For this reason, a new treatment must be carried out after a certain time interval. In addition, there is another mode of action that is often used, for example, for lice. A shampoo contains a special active ingredient that clogs the breathing holes of the lice and thus suffocates them. Whether this also kills the eggs that have already been laid can vary from product to product. It is therefore always advisable to read the package insert carefully and follow the instructions therein without compromise. How an antiparasitic is applied depends, of course, absolutely on the type of parasites. In the case of internal parasites, an effect can only be achieved if the antiparasitic is administered orally. If it is a matter of external parasites, such as mites or lice, the application must of course also take place externally to achieve an effect.
Herbal, natural, homeopathic and pharmaceutical antiparasitics.
Among the antiparasitics, there are many different forms. First, there are chemical and pharmaceutical preparations that contain a targeted composition against the particular parasite. Frequently, insecticides are used here, which are not always considered completely harmless to humans. However, they are usually highly effective and thus guarantee a fast and smooth killing of the parasites. The risk of secondary diseases is thus enormously minimized. In addition to chemical agents, a number of other antiparasitic agents are available. Various herbal agents are said to help naturally against certain types of parasites as antiparasitics. For example, coconut oil is said to help against lice, but can also help with worm infestations. Also various herbs and mixtures, are supposed to be able to counteract a parasite infestation. And of course, homeopathy also has some antiparasitics ready. Which antiparasitic is applied is mainly a matter of faith. While some people use only pharmaceutical antiparasitics because they do not believe in the effect of herbal or homeopathic remedies, others would never use chemicals to fight parasites. These people see the risk of harm to the human body from the chemical agents as too great.
Risks and side effects
Antiparasitic drugs usually always have possible side effects. Especially with chemical and pharmaceutical preparations, there is a risk for intolerance reactions. These may manifest themselves, for example, in the form of skin rashes.When antiparasitics are applied externally, hypersensitivity to the active ingredient involved may also cause itching of the skin, and in bad cases the skin may become red and inflamed. Herbal antiparasitics from nature and homeopathic antiparasitics, on the other hand, have no serious side effects. However, their effect is quite controversial. No matter which form of treatment is chosen, it should be carried out conscientiously and exactly according to instructions. In addition, the success of the treatment should be checked in every case, so that further measures can be initiated under certain circumstances in order to finally combat the parasites with antiparasitics. If left untreated, some parasites can cause serious secondary diseases and complaints. Therefore, in parasite infestation should never be taken lightly and treated conscientiously.
