Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

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What class of drugs is used to treat pinworms, heartworms, and tapeworms?

Antibiotics
Anthelmintics
Analgesics
Antipyretics

The correct answer is: Anthelmintics

The class of drugs used to treat pinworms, heartworms, and tapeworms is known as anthelmintics. These medications are specifically designed to kill or expel parasitic worms (helminths) from the host's body. Anthelmintics work by targeting the physiology of the worms, disrupting their metabolism or neuromuscular function, which leads to their immobilization and subsequent expulsion from the gastrointestinal tract. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are intended for bacterial infections and do not have an effect on helminths. Analgesics are used to relieve pain, and antipyretics are utilized to reduce fever; neither have any effect on parasitic infections. Hence, anthelmintics are the appropriate choice for treating infections caused by worms.