Key facts about Nifurtimox
What dosages is Nifurtimox available in?
Nifurtimox is available as a 30 mg and 120 mg oral tablet.
What is Nifurtimox used for?
Nifurtimox is an antiprotozoal and is used to treat chagas disease in children under 18 years old who weigh at least 2.5 kg.
How does Nifurtimox work?
Nifurtimox is an antiprotozoal. It works by damaging DNA in the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), that causes Chagas disease. This kills the parasite and clears the infection.
How do I take Nifurtimox?
The dose will depend on your child’s weight. The typical dose is 8 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg by mouth, split into three separate doses throughout the day for 60 days.
Is it safe for me to take Nifurtimox?
Nifurtimox is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following.
- Known hypersensitivity to Nifurtimox or to any of the excipients in Nifurtimox
- Alcohol consumption during treatment
Nifurtimox Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Nifurtimox:
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Low appetite
- Nausea
- Fever
- Rash
Nifurtimox Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Nifurtimox. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, rash, blisters, peeling skin, low blood pressure
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Nifurtimox
The following medications may interact with Nifurtimox:
- Concomitant use of Nifurtimox with alcohol may increase the incidence and severity of undesirable effects similar to other nitrofurans and nitroheterocyclic compounds
- Nifurtimox is contraindicated in patients who consume alcohol during treatment.
Who makes Nifurtimox?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Nifurtimox safe in pregnancy?
Nifurtimox can harm your unborn baby. For females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start taking Nifurtimox to make sure that you are not pregnant. You should use effective forms of birth control during treatment with Nifurtimox and for 6 months after your last dose of Nifurtimox. Talk to your healthcare provider about what forms of birth control may be right for you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment with Nifurtimox. For males: Nifurtimox may cause fertility problems in males. This may affect your ability to father a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility. You should use a condom with female partners who are able to become pregnant, during treatment with Nifurtimox and for 3 months after your last dose of Nifurtimox
