Final answer:
Albendazole and ivermectin are two common dewormers used to treat various parasitic infections such as helminths, protozoa, and parasitic insects. Albendazole works by inhibiting microtubule formation, while ivermectin targets specific invertebrate neurons, leading to paralysis and death of the parasites.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two common dewormers used to treat parasitic infections are albendazole and ivermectin. Albendazole is effective against a variety of helminths by inhibiting microtubule formation, leading to decreased glucose uptake by the parasites. It can be used to target nematodes as well as other parasites like protozoans, fungi, and viruses, and its use in cancer treatment is also being researched. However, its use may have side effects including liver damage and bone marrow suppression.
Ivermectin, a potent semisynthetic derivative of avermectin, is used to treat infections caused by roundworms, such as river blindness (onchocerciasis) and strongyloidiasis. It operates by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels specific to invertebrates, causing paralysis and death of the worms. This dewormer has the added benefit of being effective against parasitic insects like mites, lice, and bed bugs and is nontoxic to humans. Both of these drugs act as systemics, with the adult worms being shed in the host's feces after treatment.