Antiparasitic

An antiparasitic is a medicine or substance used to kill, inhibit, or otherwise control parasites that infect or live on a host.

Antiparasitic medicines act against a wide range of parasites, including protozoa and parasitic worms. Different medicines target different parasites and stages of their life cycles.

Antiparasitic treatment therefore depends on identifying or strongly suspecting the particular parasite involved. Antimalarials are a specific type of antiparasitic medicine used against malaria parasites.

QUICK FACT

Antimalarials are antiparasitics, but not all antiparasitics are antimalarials.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

Antibiotic: Antibiotics primarily target bacteria, while antiparasitic medicines target parasites.

SEE ALSO