Anthelmintics: diethylcarbamazine in filariasis: 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: diethylcarbamazine in filariasis

Sample item

In the national programme for lymphatic filariasis in India, mass drug administration uses which combination?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Diethylcarbamazine with albendazole

Mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis uses a single annual dose of diethylcarbamazine with albendazole, and ivermectin is added in triple-drug regimens in some areas. DEC is avoided in onchocerciasis because of severe Mazzotti reactions.

Option by option

  • A. Diethylcarbamazine with albendazole (correct)

    Correct. DEC plus albendazole is the standard.

  • B. Ivermectin with pyrantel

    Pyrantel is not used for filariasis.

  • C. Praziquantel with albendazole

    Praziquantel is not used for filariasis.

  • D. Metronidazole with albendazole

    Metronidazole is not used for filariasis.

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 A, Diethylcarbamazine with albendazole. Mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis uses a single annual dose of diethylcarbamazine with albendazole, and ivermectin is added in triple-drug regimens in some areas.

Why is "Ivermectin with pyrantel" not the answer?

Pyrantel is not used for filariasis.

Why is "Praziquantel with albendazole" not the answer?

Praziquantel is not used for filariasis.

Why is "Metronidazole with albendazole" not the answer?

Metronidazole is not used for filariasis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anthelmintics: diethylcarbamazine in filariasis in Pharmacology. DEC is avoided in onchocerciasis because of severe Mazzotti reactions.

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: diethylcarbamazine in filariasis?

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.