Suramin

Suramin is used in the treatment of African sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis) and river blindness (onchocerciasis), infections caused by parasites. This medicine works by causing the parasites to lose energy, which causes their death. Suramin may cause serious side effects. Before you begin treatment with this medicine, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of receiving it. Suramin is administered in the hospital only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Suramin is used in the treatment of African sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis) and river blindness (onchocerciasis), infections caused by parasites. This medicine works by causing the parasites to lose energy, which causes their death. Suramin may cause serious side effects. Before you begin treatment with this medicine, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of receiving it. Suramin is administered in the hospital only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Suramin is contraindicated in conditions like Renal failure, Debility.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: More common Cloudy urine crawling or tingling sensation of the skin diarrhea faintness, especially after missing meals headache increased skin color irritability itching joint pain loss of appetite nausea numbness or weakness in arms, hands, legs, or feet skin rash stinging sensation on skin swelling on skin tenderness of the palms and the soles tire easily vomiting Less common Changes in or loss of vision extreme tiredness or weakness increased sensitivity of eyes to light painful tender glands in the neck, armpits, or groin swelling around eyes ulcers or sores in mouth watery eyes Rare Cold and clammy skin convulsions decreased blood pressure difficulty in breathing fever and sore throat fever with or without chills increased heartbeat loss of consciousness pale skin pinpoint red spots on skin red, thickened, or scaly skin swelling and/or tenderness in upper abdominal or stomach area swollen and/or painful glands unusual bleeding or bruising unusual tiredness or weakness yellow eyes or skin Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: More common Abdominal pain fever general feeling of discomfort metallic taste Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid use suramin in elderly patients or in patients with severe liver or kidney disease. Suramin should be administered under close medical supervision and general condition of patients improved as far as possible before treatment starts. The urine should be tested before treatment starts and at weekly intervals during treatment, dose should be reduced if moderate proteinuria develops and discontinued if it becomes severe.

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Geriatrics, and Neonates. If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.

1.43 to 2.86 mg/kg (2.1 (2.145)) As recommended. IV — Initially for Once 14.29 mg/kg (14 (14.29)) As recommended. IV — Maintenance, Once a Week for 5-6 Weeks

No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

( ) — Not recommended in this age group

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Inj Store in a well closed container. Protect from Sunlight.