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 {{Antiinfective-drug-stub