Drugs used in tropical diseases
Tropical diseases are diseases that are prevalent in or unique to tropical and subtropical regions.
a) Antiamoebic drugs (b) Antimalarial Agents
(c) Drugs used in diarrhoea and cholera.
(d) Anthelmintics
Other tropical diseases:
Leishmaniasis, Filariasis
Anti Amoebic drugs
Loperamide
Uses: Acute nonspecific diarrhea, mild traveler's diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic diarrhea secondary to inflammatory bowel disease.
It acts on the μ-opioid receptors in the myenteric plexus of the large intestine and decrease the activity of motility. The myenteric plexus is the major nerve supply to the gastrointestinal tract and controls GI tract motility.
ALBENDAZOLE Dose: Normally 400 mg PO once, followed by once after 2 weeks.
400 mg BID x 21 days in case of Gnathostomiasis
MEBENDAZOLE: Adults and children 2 years of age and older—100 mg two times a day for 3 consecutive days. Treatment may need to be repeated in 3 weeks.
Glutamate gated Chloride channel absent in human.
We have GABA receptor enabled chloride channels. [Inhibitory]
Glutamate receptor enabled Ca+2/Na+ channels. [Excitatory]
Typical dosage: 200 mcg/kg of body weight taken as one dose.
Most people won’t need more than one dose. Max 400 mcg/kg bwt or 15 mg orally one time.
Uses:
River blindness Loa loa filariasis Lymphatic filariasis Scabies
Lice
CI: Pregnancy (Teratogenic Effects), Liver dysfunction.
Serious side effects
Severe skin reactions.
Liver damage.
Serious eye problems
Inability to control bowel movements
Shortness of breath
Inability to control urination
Drug Interaction: Warfarin, Benzodiazepines
