Anthelmintics: praziquantel: 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.

Try it

Pharmacology · Anthelmintics: praziquantel

Sample item

A farmer from an endemic area has schistosomiasis. Which drug acts by increasing calcium permeability in the worm, causing spastic paralysis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Praziquantel

Praziquantel increases tegumental calcium influx, causing contraction, paralysis and tegument damage, and it is the drug of choice for schistosomiasis and most cestode and trematode infections. Ivermectin acts on glutamate-gated chloride channels.

Option by option

  • A. Ivermectin

    Ivermectin opens glutamate-gated chloride channels.

  • B. Pyrantel pamoate

    Pyrantel is a depolarising neuromuscular blocker.

  • C. Praziquantel (correct)

    Correct. Praziquantel increases calcium permeability.

  • D. Albendazole

    Albendazole inhibits microtubules.

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.

More Pharmacology questions

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is C, Praziquantel. Praziquantel increases tegumental calcium influx, causing contraction, paralysis and tegument damage, and it is the drug of choice for schistosomiasis and most cestode and trematode infections.

Why is "Ivermectin" not the answer?

Ivermectin opens glutamate-gated chloride channels.

Why is "Pyrantel pamoate" not the answer?

Pyrantel is a depolarising neuromuscular blocker.

Why is "Albendazole" not the answer?

Albendazole inhibits microtubules.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anthelmintics: praziquantel in Pharmacology. Ivermectin acts on glutamate-gated chloride channels.

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: praziquantel?

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.