Adverse effects

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Side effects tend to be common and occur more frequently with increased age.[1] The most common adverse reactions associated with benznidazole are allergic dermatitis and peripheral neuropathy.[2] Benznidazole may cause photosensitization of the skin, resulting in rashes.[2] Peripheral neuropathy may occurs later on in the treatment course and is dose dependent.[2]

Other adverse reactions include anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and dysguesia, and bone marrow suppression.[2]

Contraindications

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Benznidazole should not be used in people with severe hepatic and/or renal disease.[1] Pregnant women should not use benznidazole because it can cross the placenta and cause teratogenicity.[3]

Interactions

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Alcohol consumption can cause a disulfiram like reaction with benznidazole.[2]

  1. ^ a b Prevention, CDC - Centers for Disease Control and. "CDC - Chagas Disease - Resources for Health Professionals - Antiparasitic Treatment". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
  2. ^ a b c d e Bern, Caryn; Montgomery, Susan P.; Herwaldt, Barbara L.; Rassi, Anis; Marin-Neto, Jose Antonio; Dantas, Roberto O.; Maguire, James H.; Acquatella, Harry; Morillo, Carlos (2007-11-14). "Evaluation and Treatment of Chagas Disease in the United States: A Systematic Review". JAMA. 298 (18). doi:10.1001/jama.298.18.2171. ISSN 0098-7484.
  3. ^ Pérez-Molina, José A.; Pérez-Ayala, Ana; Moreno, Santiago; Fernández-González, M. Carmen; Zamora, Javier; López-Velez, Rogelio (2009-12-01). "Use of benznidazole to treat chronic Chagas' disease: a systematic review with a meta-analysis". Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 64 (6): 1139–1147. doi:10.1093/jac/dkp357. ISSN 0305-7453. PMID 19819909.