Which medication is generally used for neurocysticercosis?

Albendazole is the medication generally used for neurocysticercosis, which is a parasitic infection caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. The infection leads to the formation of cysts within the central nervous system, particularly in the brain. Albendazole works by inhibiting the uptake of glucose by the parasites, leading to energy depletion and eventual death of the worms. This is essential in treating neurocysticercosis, where cysts can cause significant neurological complications.

In contrast, praziquantel is primarily effective against schistosomiasis and some other types of trematode infections but is not the first choice for neurocysticercosis. Mebendazole is mainly used to treat various intestinal helminth infections, such as roundworm and pinworm, rather than conditions involving the central nervous system. Levamisole is an anthelmintic used largely for specific types of worm infections and is not indicated for the treatment of neurocysticercosis. Hence, albendazole's efficacy and mode of action make it the drug of choice for this particular infection.