Ectoparasiticide

An ectoparasiticide is an antiparasitic drug used in the treatment of ectoparasitic infestations.^[1] These drugs are used to kill the parasites that live on the body surface. Permethrin, sulfur, lindane, dicophane, benzyl benzoate, ivermectin and crotamiton are well known ectoparasiticides.^[2]

Permethrin

Broad-spectrum and potent pyrethroid insecticide  and is most convenient for both scabies and lice. First choice drug. 100% cure rate. Causes neurological paralysis in insects probably by delaying depolarisation.^{[citation needed]}

Crotamiton

Second choice drug. Effective scabicide, pediculocide and antipruritic. Cure rate 60-88%.^{[citation needed]}

Benzyl benzoate

2nd line drug for scabies and is seldom used for pediculosis. Cure rate 76-100%^{[citation needed]}

Lindane

Effective in treating head lice (67-92%cure) and scabies (84-92% cure) with a single treatment. Penetrates through chitinous covers and affecting the nervous system.^{[citation needed]}

Sulfur

Oldest scabicide and weak pediculocide, antiseptic, fungicide and keratolytic. Applied to skin, it is slowly reduced to H₂S and oxidized to SO₂ and pentathionic acid, which dissolve the cuticle of itch mites and kill it.^{[citation needed]}

Ivermectin

Antihelminthic drug found highly effective in scabies and pediculosis. Acts through a glutamate-gated Cl⁻ ion channel found only in invertebrates.^{[citation needed]}

Dicophan

Insecticide for mosquito, flies and other pests. Penetrates through the exoskeleton and acts as a neurotoxin.^{[citation needed]}

References

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This page was last edited on 26 November 2023, at 22:11