Home Drug Guide Benznidazole

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Benznidazole

Brand Names Ranicazole

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiparasitic, Antitrypanosomal

Pharmacological: Nitroimidazole

FDA Approved Indications

  • Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)

Mechanism of Action

Benznidazole produces its antiparasitic effect by generating free radicals within the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, leading to DNA damage and parasite death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 5-7 mg/kg/day divided into two doses for 60 days

Pediatric: Same as adult dosing, tailored to body weight

Geriatric: Use with caution; adjust based on renal function and tolerability

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose accordingly, monitor renal function

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor liver function tests

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally

Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues and body fluids

Metabolism: Primarily hepatic, via CYP450 enzymes

Excretion: Metabolites excreted in urine

Half Life: Approximately 8-12 hours

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles

Precautions

  • Use with caution in pregnancy and lactation; limited data available, consult current guidelines

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea (Common)
  • Vomiting (Common)
  • Rash (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Neurotoxicity (peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy) (Rare)
  • Hepatotoxicity (Rare)
  • Bone marrow suppression (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CYP450 enzyme inducers or inhibitors may alter metabolism

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for hypersensitivity, neurological symptoms, liver function, blood counts

Diagnoses:

  • Potential for neurotoxicity
  • Risk of hepatotoxicity

Implementation: Administer with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset; monitor laboratory parameters regularly

Evaluation: Assess for symptom improvement and adverse effects

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Complete the full course of therapy
  • Report any numbness, weakness, or unusual symptoms
  • Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic medications during treatment

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for carcinogenicity and teratogenicity; use only when benefits outweigh risks

Genetic Factors: Limited data

Lab Test Interference: May affect some liver function tests

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, possible neurological toxicity

Treatment: Supportive care, symptomatic treatment, no specific antidote

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and light

Stability: Stable for the duration of the shelf life specified on the package

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.