Anthelmintics: albendazole: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · Anthelmintics: albendazole

Sample item

A patient with seizures has ring-enhancing cysts with a scolex on neuroimaging, consistent with neurocysticercosis. Which anthelmintic is the drug of choice, and what is given with it?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Albendazole with corticosteroids

Albendazole binds beta-tubulin and inhibits microtubule polymerisation, and it is preferred for neurocysticercosis. Corticosteroids prevent inflammatory reactions to dying cysts, and antiepileptics are added. Niclosamide acts only on intestinal tapeworms.

Option by option

  • A. Niclosamide

    Niclosamide does not reach tissue cysts.

  • B. Albendazole with corticosteroids (correct)

    Correct. Albendazole with steroids is standard.

  • C. Pyrantel pamoate

    Pyrantel acts against roundworms and hookworms.

  • D. Praziquantel alone without steroids

    Steroids are needed with cysticidal therapy.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is B, Albendazole with corticosteroids. Albendazole binds beta-tubulin and inhibits microtubule polymerisation, and it is preferred for neurocysticercosis.

Why is "Niclosamide" not the answer?

Niclosamide does not reach tissue cysts.

Why is "Pyrantel pamoate" not the answer?

Pyrantel acts against roundworms and hookworms.

Why is "Praziquantel alone without steroids" not the answer?

Steroids are needed with cysticidal therapy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anthelmintics: albendazole in Pharmacology. Corticosteroids prevent inflammatory reactions to dying cysts, and antiepileptics are added. Niclosamide acts only on intestinal tapeworms.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Anthelmintics: albendazole?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.