Anthelmintics: pyrantel pamoate: 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: pyrantel pamoate

Sample item

Which anthelmintic acts as a depolarising neuromuscular blocker, producing spastic paralysis of roundworms and hookworms?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Pyrantel pamoate

Pyrantel pamoate activates nicotinic receptors in the worm, causing sustained depolarisation and spastic paralysis, so the worm is expelled. Piperazine, in contrast, causes flaccid paralysis through GABA agonism.

Option by option

  • A. Praziquantel

    Praziquantel increases calcium permeability.

  • B. Pyrantel pamoate (correct)

    Correct. Pyrantel causes depolarising paralysis.

  • C. Piperazine

    Piperazine causes flaccid paralysis.

  • D. Albendazole

    Albendazole inhibits tubulin.

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, Pyrantel pamoate. Pyrantel pamoate activates nicotinic receptors in the worm, causing sustained depolarisation and spastic paralysis, so the worm is expelled.

Why is "Praziquantel" not the answer?

Praziquantel increases calcium permeability.

Why is "Piperazine" not the answer?

Piperazine causes flaccid paralysis.

Why is "Albendazole" not the answer?

Albendazole inhibits tubulin.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anthelmintics: pyrantel pamoate in Pharmacology. Piperazine, in contrast, causes flaccid paralysis through GABA agonism.

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: pyrantel pamoate?

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.