Trypanosomiasis: Medication, summary

Suramin:

• First test dose + ivermectine if onchocerciasis is suspected.

• Check urine. Then 10% solution by slow IV infusion, maximum 1 g per infusion

• Maximum 5 injections. Example: Days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21

Pentamidine:

• 4 mg base/kg/day IM or slow IV infusion; max 300 mg base per infusion.

• Glucose if hypoglycaemia. Example: 10 daily injections

Ornidyl®

• 100 mg/kg/6 hours daily IV infusion for 14 days or second choice-orally. Expensive.

Melarsoprol:

• Prednisolone before and during treatment!

• Usually preceded by Suramin or Pentamidine.

• Exclusively by IV infusion; usually 3 series of 3 ampoules (adults): 3 x 3

• 1 week’s rest between series.

• Dose = usually 3.6 mg/kg, maximum 200 mg. (various schemes)

• New scheme: 2.2 mg/kg for 10 consecutive days.

• Stop in case of polyneuropathy or reactional encephalopathy

Category: Medicine Notes