oxantel

Oxantel is a narrow-spectrum anthelmintic drug primarily used to treat intestinal worm infections, especially those caused by whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), as well as other nematodes such as Ascaris and Enterobius species. It is structurally related to pyrantel and acts mainly by depolarizing neuromuscular blocking action in susceptible worms. Oxantel functions as an agonist at specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes (notably the N-type or O-AChR subtype) in nematodes, leading to spastic paralysis of the parasite[1][3][4]. Additionally, it has been shown to inhibit fumarate reductase in some pathogenic bacteria and disrupt biofilm formation by Porphyromonas gingivalis[5][7]. The drug is administered orally and is often combined with pyrantel for broader antihelminthic coverage. Oxantel has been widely used in both human and veterinary medicine.

Brand names

Telopar

Other names

oxantel pamoate