Nifurtimox
Generic medicine reference
Not yet clinically reviewed
This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Overview
Nifurtimox is used to treat Chagas disease , a condition caused by a parasite. Chagas disease occurs most commonly in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Nifurtimox is for use in children from birth through their 17th year. A child must weigh at least 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) before taking nifurtimox.
Nifurtimox may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Indications
Nifurtimox is used to treat Chagas disease , a condition caused by a parasite. Chagas disease occurs most commonly in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Nifurtimox is for use in children from birth through their 17th year. A child must weigh at least 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) before taking nifurtimox.
Nifurtimox may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Contraindications
Nifurtimox should not be used if the child is allergic to it.
Tell your child's doctor if the child has ever had:
a brain injury; a seizure; mental illness or psychosis ; kidney disease (or if the child is on dialysis); liver disease ; or porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).
Nifurtimox can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose. If you are a man, use birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell the doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.
It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this medicine.
If you are breastfeeding, tell the doctor if you notice symptoms in the nursing baby such as fussiness, decreased appetite, vomiting, rash, or fever.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if the child has signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching ; feeling light-headed; difficult breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your child's doctor at once if the child has:
a decreased appetite and weight loss ; new or worsening symptoms of a pre-existing condition (such as a brain injury , seizures , behavior changes, or mental health problems); or worsening symptoms of porphyria (dark urine, severe stomach pain, muscle pain , numbness, tingling, mental changes, or skin sensitivity to light).
Common side effects of nifurtimox may include:
stomach pain, nausea , vomiting ; loss of appetite; fever ; rash ; or headache .
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your child's doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your child's healthcare providers about all the medical conditions, allergies, and medicines the child uses.
Do not drink alcohol while taking nifurtimox.
High Risk Groups
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your child's healthcare providers about all the medical conditions, allergies, and medicines the child uses.
Do not drink alcohol while taking nifurtimox.
Adult Dosage
8 to 10 mg/kg (9 (9)) 24 hourly PO — -
Scraped Dose — Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your child's dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.
The usual dosage of nifurtimox is 3 times per day with food , taken for 60 days. Follow the doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Each tablet should be swallowed whole or split in half. You may split a tablet by breaking it along scored line with your fingertip. Do not split a nifurtimox tablet using a tablet-cutting device.
If the child cannot swallow a tablet whole, place the tablet into 1/2 teaspoon of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve (in about 30 seconds). Give the mixture right away with food.
Nifurtimox doses are based on weight and may change if the child gains or loses weight. The doctor should check the child's weight every 2 weeks while the child takes nifurtimox.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.
Child Dosage
15 to 20 mg/kg (18 (17.5)) 24 hourly —
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
Other drugs may affect nifurtimox, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Tell the doctor about all other medicines your child use.
Storage
No storage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Available Brands in Pakistan
No brands are recorded for this generic.