Niclosamide 500mg is an anthelmintic medication, meaning it is used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms. It has been primarily used for the treatment of tapeworm infections in humans, particularly those caused by Taenia species.
Niclosamide works by disrupting the energy metabolism of the parasites, leading to paralysis and death of the worms. It is effective against both the adult worms and the larval stages.
In addition to its anthelmintic properties, Niclosamide has also been investigated for its potential anti-cancer and anti-viral activities. It has shown promising results in laboratory studies against certain types of cancer cells and viral infections, although further research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety in these applications.
It is important to note that Niclosamide should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as it can have side effects and may interact with other medications.