Which type of anthelmintic drug acts by paralyzing worms in the intestinal tract?

The type of anthelmintic drug that acts by paralyzing worms in the intestinal tract is indeed represented by all the options listed. Pyrantel is particularly notable for its mechanism of action; it works as a neuromuscular blocking agent, causing paralysis in helminths, which allows for their elimination from the host's body. This paralysis results from the inhibition of the worm’s ability to control its movements, making them unable to attach firmly to the intestinal walls and facilitating expulsion via peristalsis.

While albendazole and mebendazole also have effective anthelmintic properties, their primary mode of action is through the inhibition of microtubule formation, which ultimately leads to the death of the worms rather than paralysis. However, the question focuses on the action of paralyzing worms specifically, which pyrantel does effectively.

Using pyrantel's mechanism as the focal point, all the listed drugs contribute to the treatment of parasitic infections, but the specific action of paralyzing worms in the intestinal tract is particularly attributed to pyrantel. Hence, the inclusion of the other options is valid in the context of effectiveness against helminths, but the main reason pyrantel is highlighted is its unique method of inducing