Niclosamide is an anthelmintic drug used to treat tapeworm infections. The word is spelled phonetically as /nɪkloʊsəmaɪd/. The first syllable "nic" is pronounced as "nik" with a short 'i' sound. The second syllable "lo" is pronounced with a long 'o'. The third syllable "sa" is pronounced as "suh" with a short 'u' sound. The fourth syllable "mi" is pronounced with a long 'i' sound. The last two syllables "de" are pronounced as "d" with a silent 'e' at the end.
Niclosamide is a medicinal drug that belongs to the class of anthelmintic agents, specifically categorized as a salicylanilide compound. It is primarily utilized for its potent anthelmintic properties, meaning it is effective against parasitic worms or helminths.
Niclosamide is commonly prescribed for the treatment of various worm infestations, particularly tapeworm infections caused by species such as Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, Hymenolepis nana, and Diphyllobothrium latum. It exerts its therapeutic effects by interfering with the energy metabolism of these parasites, ultimately resulting in their paralysis and expulsion from the body.
Administered orally, Niclosamide exhibits exceptional bioavailability, ensuring effective absorption and distribution throughout the system. Following absorption, it is metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted predominantly via the feces. The drug is also known for its poor absorption into the bloodstream, thereby minimizing systemic side effects.
Apart from its anthelmintic uses, Niclosamide has been explored for several other potential therapeutic applications, such as its antiproliferative and anticancer activities. It has shown promise in inhibiting the growth and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines, making it an active area of research within the field of oncology.
In conclusion, Niclosamide is a salicylanilide anthelmintic that is extensively used to treat a range of parasitic infections caused by certain tapeworm species. Its significant anthelmintic effects, limited systemic absorption, and potential anticancer properties make it a valuable medicinal compound in the field of parasitology and oncology.
The word "Niclosamide" derives from its chemical structure and composition. It is a compound name consisting of two parts: "Niclo" and "samide".
- "Niclo" likely originates from the chemical compound Niclosaniline, which is an intermediate compound in the synthesis of Niclosamide. The term "Niclo" may have been derived from the name of the chemical research institute or individual involved in its discovery or development, although a definitive origin is unclear.
- "Samide" is a suffix commonly used in organic chemistry to indicate an amide functional group (a chemical structure that contains a nitrogen atom bonded to a carbonyl group).
Combining these two elements, "Niclosamide" refers to a specific compound with characteristics derived from Niclosaniline, containing an amide functional group.