Anthelmintics or
antihelminthics are a group of
antiparasitic drugs that expel
parasitic worms (
helminths) and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them and without causing significant damage to the host. They may also be called
vermifuges (those that stun) or
vermicides (those that kill). They are used to treat people or animals who are infected by helminths, a condition called
helminthiasis.