Suramin
Mechanism :
Suramin is a polyanionic compound with an unknown mechanism of action.
Indication :
- Off-Label: Early human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) without CNS involvement due to T. brucei rhodesiense (East African sleeping sickness) or as an alternative agent in infections due to T. brucei gambiense (West African sleeping sickness)
Contraindications :
Hypersensitivity to suramin or any component of the formulation.
Dosing :
IV: Initial: 2 mg/kg test dose, followed by 20 mg/kg (Maximum dose: 1 g) on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21.
Note: Not recommended for trypanosomiasis with CNS involvement.
Adverse Effect :
Shock, dizziness, fatigue, headache, exfoliative dermatitis, polydipsia, diarrhea, nausea, nephrotoxicity, pancytopenia, optic atrophy, immediate hypersensitivity reactions, renal impairment, fever.
Interaction :
Avoid use in hepatic and renal impairment.
Hepatic Dose :
Avoid use in severe hepatic impairment