Blog

Table of Contents

1. What is Benznidazole?
2. What is Benznidazole Used to Treat?
3. Do You Need a Prescription for Benznidazole?
4. How Does Benznidazole Work?
5. What are Some Common Side Effects of Benznidazole?
6. What Should You Not Take with Benznidazole?
7. Conclusion

What is Benznidazole?

Benznidazole is a medication used to treat Chagas disease, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a nitroimidazole drug, which works by inhibiting the growth of the parasite. It is available in tablet form and is typically taken twice a day for a period of two months.

What is Benznidazole Used to Treat?

Benznidazole is used to treat Chagas disease, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Chagas disease is found in Latin America and is spread by the bite of an infected bug. It can cause serious health problems, including heart failure, stroke, and digestive problems.

Do You Need a Prescription for Benznidazole?

Yes, benznidazole requires a prescription from a doctor. It is not available over the counter.

How Does Benznidazole Work?

Benznidazole works by inhibiting the growth of the parasite that causes Chagas disease. It is a nitroimidazole drug, which works by blocking the action of certain enzymes in the parasite. This stops the parasite from growing and reproducing, which helps to reduce the symptoms of Chagas disease.

What are Some Common Side Effects of Benznidazole?

Common side effects of benznidazole include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and rash. If any of these side effects become severe or do not go away, contact your doctor.

What Should You Not Take with Benznidazole?

You should not take benznidazole with any other medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. You should also avoid taking benznidazole with alcohol or grapefruit juice.

Conclusion

Benznidazole is a medication used to treat Chagas disease, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a nitroimidazole drug, which works by inhibiting the growth of the parasite. It is available in tablet form and requires a prescription from a doctor. Common side effects of benznidazole include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and rash. You should not take benznidazole with any other medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. You should also avoid taking benznidazole with alcohol or grapefruit juice.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Chagas Disease (American Trypanosomiasis). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/index.html

2. Drugs.com. (2020). Benznidazole. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/mtm/benznidazole.html