Benznidazole
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| Clinical data | |
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| Trade names | Rochagan, Radanil |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Micromedex Detailed Consumer Information |
| Routes of administration |
by mouth |
| ATC code | |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | High |
| Metabolism | Liver |
| Biological half-life | 12 hours |
| Excretion | Kidney and fecal |
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| CAS Number | |
| PubChem CID | |
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| UNII | |
| KEGG | |
| ChEBI | |
| ChEMBL | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.153.448 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C12H12N4O3 |
| Molar mass | 260.249 g/mol |
| 3D model (Jmol) | |
| Melting point | 188.5 to 190 °C (371.3 to 374.0 °F) |
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Benznidazole is an antiparasitic medication used in the treatment of Chagas disease. While it is highly effective in early disease this decreases in those who have long term infection. It is the first line treatment given its moderate side effects compared to nifurtimox. It is taken by mouth.
Side effects are fairly common. They include rash, numbness, fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. Rare side effects include bone marrow suppression which can lead to low blood cell levels. It is not recommended during pregnancy or in people with severe liver or kidney disease. Benznidazole is in the nitroimidazole family of medication and works by the production of free radicals.
Benznidazole came into medical use in 1971. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. It is not commercially available in the United States, but can be obtained from the Centers of Disease Control. As of 2012 Laboratório Farmacêutico do Estado de Pernambuco, a government run pharmaceutical company in Brazil was the only producer.
Benznidazole has a significant activity during the acute phase of Chagas disease, with a therapeutical success rate up to 80%. Its curative capabilities during the chronic phase are, however, limited. Some studies have found parasitologic cure (a complete elimination of T. cruzi from the body) in pediatric and young patients during the early stage of the chronic phase, but overall failure rate in chronically infected individuals is typically above 80%.
However, some studies indicate treatment with benznidazole during the chronic phase, even if incapable of producing parasitologic cure, because it reduces electrocardiographic changes and a delays worsening of the clinical condition of the patient.
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Wikipedia