How are anthelmintics primarily classified?

Anthelmintics are primarily classified by the type of parasite they target because this classification helps healthcare providers determine which medication is most appropriate for specific infections caused by helminths. Helminths include various types of worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. Each category of anthelmintics is formulated to effectively combat specific species or groups of these parasites, taking into account factors such as life cycle, habitat within the host, and biological vulnerabilities.

This classification system is crucial, as different anthelmintics may exhibit varying effectiveness against distinct types of worms, making it necessary to choose a medication based on the diagnosis of the particular parasitic infection.