Introduction to

Antiprotozoal Drugs
Antiprotozoal drugs are a class of medications used to treat infections caused by
protozoan parasites, such as those that can lead to malaria, giardiasis, and
toxoplasmosis. These powerful pharmaceuticals target and eliminate the parasitic
organisms, restoring health and preventing the spread of these debilitating
diseases.

by Hariom Sharma
Mechanism of Action of Antiprotozoal Drugs

Interference with Cell Membranes Disruption of Energy Production

Some antiprotozoal drugs disrupt the integrity of Other drugs interfere with the protozoan's ability
the protozoan cell membrane, leading to leakage to generate energy through inhibition of key
of vital cellular contents and ultimately, cell death. metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis or
oxidative phosphorylation.

Targeting DNA Synthesis Inhibition of Enzymatic Activity

Certain antiprotozoal agents interfere with the Many antiprotozoal drugs work by inhibiting
replication and transcription of the protozoan's critical enzymes involved in vital functions, such
genetic material, hindering its ability to as cell division or nutrient acquisition.
proliferate.
Classification of Antiprotozoal Drugs
1. Antiamebic Drugs: Metronidazole, Tinidazole, Emetine, Diloxanide Furoate
2. Antigiardial Drugs: Metronidazole, Tinidazole, Albendazole, Nitazoxanide

3. Antitrichomonal Drugs: Metronidazole, Tinidazole, Secnidazole

4. Antibabesial Drugs: Imidocarb, Atovaquone, Clindamycin

5. Anticrytosporidial Drugs: Nitazoxanide, Paromomycin, Azithromycin

Antiamoebic Drugs
Mechanism of Action 1
Antiamoebic drugs work by disrupting the
cell membrane or interfering with essential
cellular processes of the pathogenic 2 Common Drugs
amoeba, such as Entamoeba histolytica. Commonly used antiamoebic drugs
include metronidazole, tinidazole,
paromomycin, and emetine. Each has a
unique mechanism and spectrum of
Indications 3 activity.
These drugs are primarily used to treat
amoebiasis, a disease caused by the
protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica,
which can lead to dysentery and liver
abscess.
Antigiardial Drugs
Antigiardial drugs are a class of antiprotozoal medications used to treat
infections caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia, which can lead to
the gastrointestinal illness known as giardiasis. These drugs work by disrupting
the parasite's metabolism and reproductive processes, effectively eliminating the
infection.

Common antigiardial drugs include metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide.

These medications are typically taken orally and can effectively cure giardiasis in
the majority of cases, though they may cause side effects such as nausea,
abdominal discomfort, and headaches in some patients.
Antitrichomonal Drugs
Mechanism of Common Drugs Resistance Administration
Action Concerns
Metronidazole and Antitrichomonal drugs
Antitrichomonal drugs tinidazole are the Increasing resistance are typically
target the protozoan primary to metronidazole has administered orally as
parasite Trichomonas antitrichomonal drugs become a concern, a single dose or as a
vaginalis, which used to treat leading to the multi-day regimen.
causes the sexually trichomoniasis. They exploration of Topical formulations
transmitted infection are effective, well- alternative may also be used in
trichomoniasis. These tolerated, and the antitrichomonal agents some cases.
drugs disrupt the treatment of choice for like secnidazole and
parasite's metabolism this infection. nitroimidazole
and inhibit its growth derivatives to combat
and reproduction. resistant strains.
Antibabesial Drugs

Diminazene Aceturate
1 First-line treatment for bovine babesiosis

Imidocarb Dipropionate
2
Effective against Babesia infections in dogs

Atovaquone
3 Used to treat human babesiosis caused by Babesia
microti

Antibabesial drugs target the Babesia parasite, which causes babesiosis, a tick-borne disease affecting various
animals including humans. These medications work by interfering with the parasite's cellular processes, ultimately
leading to its destruction and clearance from the host.
Anticrytosporidial Drugs

Targeting Nitazoxanide Paromomycin Combating

Cryptosporidium Resistance
Nitazoxanide is a Paromomycin is another
Anticrytosporidial drugs widely used important As with many
are designed to treat anticrytosporidial drug anticrytosporidial antimicrobial agents,
infections caused by the that works by medication that disrupts there is growing
Cryptosporidium interfering with the the parasite's protein concern about
parasite, a common protozoan's ability to synthesis, preventing it Cryptosporidium
waterborne pathogen generate energy, from reproducing and developing resistance to
that can lead to severe effectively killing the spreading within the existing
diarrhea and other parasite. host. anticrytosporidial drugs,
gastrointestinal issues. necessitating the
development of new
therapeutic options.
Antifungal Drugs: Mechanisms and
Classifications
Antifungal drugs work by disrupting the cellular structure or metabolism of fungal pathogens, preventing their
growth and proliferation. They are classified based on their mechanisms of action, which include interfering with
fungal cell membrane synthesis, ergosterol biosynthesis, DNA/RNA synthesis, and mitochondrial function.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Comprehensive Approach
Antiprotozoal and antifungal drugs require a
comprehensive understanding of their
mechanisms, classifications, and appropriate
clinical applications.
Ongoing Research
Continuous advancements in drug development
and resistance management are crucial to stay
ahead of evolving protozoal and fungal threats.
Individualized Treatment
Selecting the right antiprotozoal or antifungal
agent depends on the specific pathogen, patient
factors, and potential resistance patterns.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Effective management of these infections
requires close coordination between healthcare
providers, pharmacists, and public health
authorities.