What is benznidazole used for?
Benznidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat Chagas disease in children ages 2 through 12 years. Chagas disease (also called American trypanosomiasis) is an infection caused by a parasite common to the areas of South America, Central America and Mexico.
Can chronic Chagas be treated?
Treatment. To kill the parasite, Chagas disease can be treated with benznidazole and also nifurtimox. Both medicines are nearly 100% effective in curing the disease if given soon after infection at the onset of the acute phase, including the cases of congenital transmission.
Is benznidazole FDA approved?
On August 29, 2017, FDA approved benznidazole (Chemo Research, SL, in care of Exeltis) for treatment of Chagas disease in children aged 2–12 years§ (4). On May 14, 2018, the FDA-approved benznidazole product became commercially available through an exclusive distributor, Foundation Care.
Is Nifurtimox an antibiotic?
Nifurtimox is a nitrofuran antibiotic. Chagas disease, caused by a parasite known as Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is a vector-transmitted disease affecting animals and humans in the Americas. It is commonly known as American Trypanosomiasis.
Is benznidazole an antibiotic?
Benznidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat a certain parasitic infection (Chagas disease). It works by stopping the growth of a certain parasite. This antibiotic treats only Chagas disease.
How do I get benznidazole?
Physician requests for benznidazole should now be directed to the drug company Exeltis online at http://www.benznidazoletablets.com/en/, by telephone at 877-303-7181, or by e-mail at [email protected].
How long can you live with Chagas disease?
However, this symptom-free stage may only last about 10-20 years in some patients before the chronic symptoms develop in about 10%-30% of those infected.
How do I get Benznidazole?
What type of drug is nifurtimox?
Nifurtimox is used to treat Chagas disease (an infection caused by a parasite) in children from birth to 18 years old who weigh at least 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg). Nifurtimox is in a class of medications called antiprotozoals. It works by killing the organism that can cause Chagas disease.
What are the anti parasite drugs?
Antiparasitic Agents
| Drug | Drug Description |
|---|---|
| Albendazole | A benzimidazole anthelmintic used to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis and other helminth infections. |
| Piperazine | A medication used to treat roundworm and pinworm. |
| Amodiaquine | An antimalarial drug. |
| Furazolidone | A drug for the treatment of infectious diarrhea. |
Are there any side effects to benznidazole treatment?
Common side effects of benznidazole treatment include the following: The most common side effects of nifurtimox include the following: Contraindications for treatment include severe hepatic and/or renal disease.
What are the most common side effects of nifurtimox?
The most common side effects of nifurtimox including the following: Anorexia and weight loss Polyneuropathy Nausea Vomiting Headache Dizziness or vertigo
How old do you have to be to take benznidazole?
Benznidazole is approved by FDA for use in children 2–12 years of age and is available from www.benznidazoletablets.com . Nifurtimox is not currently FDA approved but is available under investigational protocols from CDC. Side effects are fairly common with both drugs and tend to be more frequent and more severe with increasing age.
