General Information
Benznidazole is used to treat certain parasitic infection or also known as Chagas disease. It is possibly a life-threatening disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi or also called as “kissing bug”. It can be passing on by:
- organ transplant using organs from infected donors
- blood transfusion from infected donors
- Eating food contaminated with the parasite’s feces or urine
- during pregnancy or childbirth
How do Benznidazole Tablets work?
Benznidazole works by stopping the development of a certain parasite. Parasites are organisms that live in or on an organism of another species. It benefits by developing nutrients at the other’s expense. This antibiotic treats only Chagas disease. This will not work for viral infections such as flu or a common cold. Using an antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
Why use Benznidazole Tablets?
Benznidazole is an antibiotic which belongs to the class of medications called antiprotozoals. This is specifically used in children/patients 2-12 years old. Benznidazole is sparingly soluble in acetone and ethanol, practically crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water, a yellowish and slightly soluble in methanol. Benznidazole Tablets are a white round tablet that contains 12.5 mg or 100 mg of benznidazole, for oral use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication.
How to use Benznidazole Tablets?
Take Benznidazole exactly as it is prescribed. This is usually taken twice daily for about 12 hours apart, for 60 days. You may take this with or without food. The recommended dosage will depend on your condition and response. For younger children who are not able to swallow the tablet as a whole, you may dissolve the tablet in water to make a liquid.
What are the side-effects of Benznidazole Tablets?
Common side effects of Benznidazole Tablets:
- itching or mild rash
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- headache
- weight loss
Call your doctor right away if these occur:
- Shortness of breath
- Cold hands and feet or pale skin
- Easy bruising
- Unusual bleeding
- Mouth/skin sores
- Chills, fever, tiredness
- Numbness, tingling or burning pain in your hands or feet
Warnings and Precautions
- Stop using this medication if there is an allergic reaction happens.
- Let your doctor know if you have any medical history or current medications.
- You should not recommend this to others who have the same symptoms as yours without consulting a doctor.
- Keep this far from moisture and heat.
