II. Indications
- Chagas Disease (Trypansoma cruzi)
III. Contraindications
- Pregnancy
IV. Mechanism
- Nitroimidazole derivative
- Antiprotozoal activity
- Inhibits parasite Protein Biosynthesis
- Affects Cytokine production and triggers Phagocytosis
V. Medications
- Tablets: 12.5 mg, 100 mg (scored)
- Tablets may be dissolved in water to create a slurry (take immediately after mixing)
VI. Dosing: Chagas Disease
- Adult and age >12 years old (not FDA approved)
- Dose 5 to 7 mg/kg/day orally divided every 12 hours for 60 days
- Child (age 2 to 12 years old)
- Dose 5 to 8 mg/kg/day orally every 12 hours for 60 days
VII. Adverse Effects
- Adults experience more dose related adverse effects than children
- Skin reactions (common)
-
Bone Marrow suppression
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) monitoring is recommended
-
Peripheral Neuropathy (including Paresthesias)
- Delayed effect
- Decreased fertility in males
- Found in animal studies
VIII. Drug Interactions
-
Alcohol
- Disulfiram reaction (within 3 days of last dose)
IX. Safety
- Pregnancy Category X (Teratogenic, contraindicated)
- Use reliable Contraception while taking Benznidazole (and for 5 days after last dose)
X. Resources
- Benznidazole Tablet (DailyMed)