Generic name: benznidazole [ benz-NID-a-zole ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antibiotics
What is benznidazole?
Benznidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat Chagas disease in children ages 2 through 12 years.
Chagas disease (also called American trypanosomiasis) is an infection caused by a parasite common to the areas of South America, Central America and Mexico.
Benznidazole was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, some people responded to benznidazole, but further studies are needed.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use benznidazole if you are allergic to it, or if:
you are allergic to similar antibiotics such as metronidazole, secnidazole, or tinidazole; or
you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 2 weeks.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Benznidazole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Benznidazole may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men. It is not known whether this effect would be permanent.
You should not breastfeed while using benznidazole.
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