Benznidazole
Encyclopedia
Benznidazole is an antiparasitic medication
used in the treatment of Chagas disease
. Its mechanism of action is thought to be inhibition of protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis. Roche donated the technology and rights to produce benznidazole to the Brazilian government.
s most commonly associated with benznidazole therapy are rash
and gastrointestinal
symptoms such as nausea
. Rarely, peripheral neuropathy
may present after prolonged treatment.
Medication
A pharmaceutical drug, also referred to as medicine, medication or medicament, can be loosely defined as any chemical substance intended for use in the medical diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of disease.- Classification :...
used in the treatment of Chagas disease
Chagas disease
Chagas disease is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. T. cruzi is commonly transmitted to humans and other mammals by an insect vector, the blood-sucking insects of the subfamily Triatominae most commonly species belonging to the Triatoma, Rhodnius,...
. Its mechanism of action is thought to be inhibition of protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis. Roche donated the technology and rights to produce benznidazole to the Brazilian government.
Side effects
The side effectAdverse drug reaction
An adverse drug reaction is an expression that describes harm associated with the use of given medications at a normal dosage. ADRs may occur following a single dose or prolonged administration of a drug or result from the combination of two or more drugs...
s most commonly associated with benznidazole therapy are rash
Rash
A rash is a change of the skin which affects its color, appearance or texture. A rash may be localized in one part of the body, or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause the skin to change color, itch, become warm, bumpy, chapped, dry, cracked or blistered, swell and may be painful. The causes, and...
and gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal tract
The human gastrointestinal tract refers to the stomach and intestine, and sometimes to all the structures from the mouth to the anus. ....
symptoms such as nausea
Nausea
Nausea , is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach with an involuntary urge to vomit. It often, but not always, precedes vomiting...
. Rarely, peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is the term for damage to nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which may be caused either by diseases of or trauma to the nerve or the side-effects of systemic illness....
may present after prolonged treatment.