Nifurtimox

Nifurtimox is an investigational drug used to treat American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease).

• Nifurtimox is available under the following different brand names: Lampit.

Adult and Pediatric Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablet

• 30mg
• 120mg

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

American Trypanosomiasis (Orphan)

• Investigational in the United States
• Orphan designation for American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)
• Adults: 8-10 mg/kg/day orally divided every 6-8 hours for 90-120 days
• Children 11-16 years: 12.5-15 mg/kg/day orally divided every 8 hours for 90 days
• Children 1-10 years: 15-20 mg/kg/day orally divided every 8 hours

Common side effects of nifurtimox include:

• Loss of appetite (can limit completion of therapy)

Other side effects of nifurtimox include:

• Loss of coordination
• Convulsions
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Memory impairment
• Numbness and tingling
• Sleep disorder
• Tremor
• Nerve inflammation (polyneuritis)
• Weakness
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Stomach/abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain
• Pulmonary infiltrates

Rare side effects of nifurtimox include:

• Pleural effusion

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Nifurtimox has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Nifurtimox has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Nifurtimox has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Nifurtimox has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.
   

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings
This medication contains nifurtimox. Do not take Lampit if you are allergic to nifurtimox or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Active or history of peripheral neuropathy
• Active or history of seizures and cerebral impairment, such as behavioral disorders, epilepsy, or psychoses
• Hepatic impairment
• Renal impairment

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Nifurtimox?”

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Nifurtimox?”

Cautions

• No information available

Pregnancy and Lactation

• No human studies have been conducted regarding use of nifurtimox during pregnancy. Consult your doctor.
• It is not known if nifurtimox is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.