Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Rochagan, Radanil[1] |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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Routes of administration | By mouth |
ATC code | |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | High |
Metabolism | Liver |
Elimination half-life | 12 hours |
Excretion | Kidney and fecal |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.153.448 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C12H12N4O3 |
Molar mass | 260.253 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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.[2] While it is highly effective in early disease, the effectiveness decreases in those who have long-term infection.[3] It is the first-line treatment given its moderate side effects compared to nifurtimox.[1] It is taken by mouth.[2]
Side effects are fairly common.[4] They include rash, numbness, fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping.[4][5] Rare side effects include bone marrow suppression which can lead to low blood cell levels.[1][5] It is not recommended during pregnancy or in people with severe liver or kidney disease.[4][3] Benznidazole is in the nitroimidazole family of medication and works by the production of free radicals.[5][6]
Benznidazole came into medical use in 1971.[2] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[7] As of 2012, Laboratório Farmacêutico do Estado de Pernambuco, a government run pharmaceutical company in Brazil was the only producer.[8][needs update]