oxamniquine

Oxamniquine is a semisynthetic tetrahydroquinoline anthelmintic used for the treatment of *Schistosoma mansoni* infections. It is effective against all stages of *S. mansoni*, but not other *Schistosoma* species. The drug acts by causing worms to shift from the mesenteric veins to the liver, where male worms are retained and eliminated; female worms return to the mesentery but can no longer release eggs. Its mechanism involves binding to DNA in schistosome cells, likely after activation by a parasite-specific sulfotransferase enzyme that converts it into an ester capable of alkylating DNA. This results in inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis, contraction and paralysis of the worms, and eventual death or detachment from host tissues. Oxamniquine acts mainly on male worms but also induces changes in females[1][2][5][6][7][8].

Brand names

MansilVansil

Other names

oxamniquine