Uses
Benznidazole (BNZ) is traditionally used to treat Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The drugs used for the treatment of this disease, Nifurtimox and Benznidazole, are toxic and present sever e side effects.
Definition
ChEBI: A monocarboxylic acid amide obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of (2-nitroimidazol-1-yl)acetic acid with the aromatic amino group of benzylamine. Used for treatment of Chagas disease.
Antimicrobial activity
It exhibits antiprotozoal activity, particularly against Trypanosoma cruzi.
Pharmaceutical Applications
A synthetic 2-nitroimidazole, formulated for oral administration. Solubility in water 400 mg/L.
Pharmacokinetics
Oral bioavailability :High
Cmax 100 mg oral :2.2–2.8 mg/L after 3–4 h
Plasma half-life:10.5–13.6 h
Volume of distribution:c. 0.56 L/kg
Plasma protein binding: c. 44%
The 2-nitro group undergoes reduction to the amine and hydrolysis to the hydroxy derivative.
Clinical Use
N-Benzyl-2-nitroimidazole-1-acetamide (Radanil, Rochagan)is a nitroimidazole derivative that is used for the treatment ofChagas disease. It is not available in the United States but isused extensively in South America. The effectiveness of benznidazoleis similar to that of nifurtimox. Therapy forAmerican trypanosomiasis with oral benznidazole requiresseveral weeks and is frequently accompanied by adverse effectssuch as peripheral neuropathy, bone marrow depression,and allergic-type reactions.
Clinical Use
Benznidazole is used in treatment of South American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease).
Side effects
Adverse effects are more common in the elderly and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, peripheral neuropathy and severe skin reactions.