fexinidazole

Indications

• treatment of both 1st-stage (hemolymphatic) & 2nd-stage (meningoencephalitic) African trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense

Contraindications

• < 6 years oof age or < 20 kg
• hepatic impairment
• severe renal impairment

* Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is a risk to mother & infant

* insufficient data on fexinidazole use in pregnant women

Dosage

• > 35 kg: 1800 mg for 4 days then 1200 mg for 6 days
• 20-35 kg: 1200 mg for 4 days then 600 mg for 6 days

Tabs: 600 mg

Adverse effects

• > 10%: headache, nausea/vomiting, insomnia, asthenia, tremor, decreased appetite, dizziness, dyspepsia, back pain, upper abdominal pain,
• hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, neutropenia
• neuropsychiatric manifestations:
  • agitation,anxiety, behavioral disturbance, depression, suicidal ideation, nightmares, hallucination, personality change
• precautions
  • QTc prolongation
  • hepatotoxicity

Mechanism of action

• precise mechanism of action is unknown

More general terms

• nitroimidazole
• antiprotozoal agent