Niridazole is a
schistosomicide. It is used to treat
schistosomiasis, the helmintic disease caused by certain flatworms (
trematode
Trematoda is a class of flatworms known as flukes. They are obligate internal parasites with a complex life cycle requiring at least two hosts. The intermediate host, in which asexual reproduction occurs, is usually a snail. The definitive h ...
s) from the genus ''
Schistosoma'' (formerly ''Bilharzia''). It is also known by its trade name Ambilhar. It is usually given as tablets.
Niridazole has
central nervous system
The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system consisting primarily of the brain and spinal cord. The CNS is so named because the brain integrates the received information and coordinates and influences the activity of all p ...
toxicity and can cause dangerous side effects, such as
hallucination
A hallucination is a perception in the absence of an external stimulus that has the qualities of a real perception. Hallucinations are vivid, substantial, and are perceived to be located in external objective space. Hallucination is a combinati ...
s. Also, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. However, it is one of the most effective schistosomicide drugs.
It has recently also been investigated for use in the treatment of
periodontitis
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red and may bleed. It is considered the main cau ...
.
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Mechanism of action
Niridazole is rapidly concentrated in the parasite and inhibits
oogenesis and
spermatogenesis. The compound also inhibits the
phosphofructokinase
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) is a kinase enzyme that phosphorylates fructose 6-phosphate in glycolysis.
Function
The enzyme-catalysed transfer of a phosphoryl group from ATP is an important reaction in a wide variety of biological processes. ...
enzyme
Enzymes () are proteins that act as biological catalysts by accelerating chemical reactions. The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different molecules known as products ...
, leading to glycogen depletion and
hepatic shift
The liver is a major organ only found in vertebrates which performs many essential biological functions such as detoxification of the organism, and the synthesis of proteins and biochemicals necessary for digestion and growth. In humans, it i ...
.
References
Antiparasitic agents
IARC Group 2B carcinogens
Imidazolidinones
Nitrothiazoles
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