Antitrypanosomal Treatment

Nifurtimox and benznidazole are the only drugs with proven efficacy against T. cruzi infection.

These medications have been used for more than 30 years in Latin America. Benznidazole is approved by FDA for use in children 2–12 years of age and is commercially available at benznidazoletablets.com. Lampit®. (nifurtimox) is FDA approved for treatment of children from birth to younger than 18 years and is commercially available for pharmacies to purchase from several drug wholesalers.

Both drugs are associated with frequent side effects, particularly in adults. In general, children tolerate the drugs better than adults.

Side effects of benznidazole include: dermatitis, peripheral neuropathy, anorexia, and rarely, bone marrow suppression.

Those from nifurtimox include: anorexia, nausea, weight loss, tremors, insomnia, and peripheral neuropathy.

For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/health_professionals/tx.html.