What it does
Tetramisole is a medication used to treat certain infections and conditions caused by parasites.
Commonly used for: worm infections (helminthiasis), certain types of parasitic infections
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-03-11 23:59:39 · updated 2026-07-27 03:31:08
About this medicine
Tetramisole is a medication used to treat certain infections and conditions caused by parasites.
What it treats
- worm infections (helminthiasis)
- certain types of parasitic infections
How it works
Tetramisole helps to kill parasites in the body, allowing the immune system to eliminate them more effectively.
Who it's for
This medication is typically given to people with parasitic infections, especially in children and adults who are at risk.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: tetramisole
BNF-referencedTetramisole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent primarily used in veterinary medicine, but it has also been utilized in human medicine for the treatment of certain parasitic infections. It is effective against a range of nematodes and has been noted for its immunomodulatory effects, which may contribute to its antiparasitic activity.
Indications
- Nematode infections
- Ascariasis
- Hookworm infections
- Strongyloidiasis
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
Tetramisole causes a rapid and sustained muscle paralysis in parasitic worms.
Pharmacodynamics
Tetramisole acts as a nicotinic agonist at the neuromuscular junction of nematodes, leading to paralysis. This paralysis is a result of prolonged depolarization of the muscle membrane, which prevents the worm from maintaining its position within the host and allows for its expulsion. The drug is effective against various gastrointestinal worms, making it useful in treating infections caused by these parasites.
Pharmacokinetics
Tetramisole is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within a few hours. It undergoes hepatic metabolism, and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine. The elimination half-life is variable, depending on the formulation and individual patient factors, but it is generally in the range of hours.
Pregnancy
Tetramisole should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Tetramisole is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: tetramisole
PubChem CID 3913Molecular formula: C11H12N2S
Mechanism of action
Tetramisole causes a rapid and sustained muscle paralysis in parasitic worms.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.