Antiparasitic agents are drugs used to treat infestations of parasites in the body. This includes skin conditions, such as infestations with scabies, head lice, pubic lice and “creeping eruption.” Parasites are organisms that survive by living on and feeding from a host. These medications work by either paralyzing parasites or by killing them outright.

Antiparasitic agents are usually well-tolerated by patients and cause few side effects. Adverse reactions that do occur tend to be minor, such as skin irritation. Most people can use these drugs safely and effectively regardless of any other medical conditions they might have.

Antiparasitic agents are available in the form of pills, creams, lotions and shampoos. Some of these drugs are available in over-the-counter formulations, whereas others can only be obtained with a physician’s prescription.