Nifurtimox

Generic name: nifurtimox [ nye-FURE-ti-mox ]
Brand name: Lampit
Dosage form: oral tablet (120 mg; 30 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 13, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is nifurtimox?

Nifurtimox is used to treat Chagas disease, a condition caused by a parasite. Chagas disease occurs most commonly in Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Nifurtimox is for use in children from birth through their 17th year. A child must weigh at least 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) before taking nifurtimox.

Nifurtimox may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Nifurtimox side effects

Get emergency medical help if the child has signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; feeling light-headed; difficult breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your child's doctor at once if the child has:

• a decreased appetite and weight loss;

• new or worsening symptoms of a pre-existing condition (such as a brain injury, seizures, behavior changes, or mental health problems); or

• worsening symptoms of porphyria (dark urine, severe stomach pain, muscle pain, numbness, tingling, mental changes, or skin sensitivity to light).

Common side effects of nifurtimox may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;

• loss of appetite;

• fever;

• rash; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your child's doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

pentamidine, benznidazole, fexinidazole

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your child's healthcare providers about all the medical conditions, allergies, and medicines the child uses.

Do not drink alcohol while taking nifurtimox.

Before taking this medicine

Nifurtimox should not be used if the child is allergic to it.

Tell your child's doctor if the child has ever had:

• a brain injury;

• a seizure;

• mental illness or psychosis;

• kidney disease (or if the child is on dialysis);

• liver disease; or

• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).

Nifurtimox can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell the doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this medicine.

If you are breastfeeding, tell the doctor if you notice symptoms in the nursing baby such as fussiness, decreased appetite, vomiting, rash, or fever.

How should I take nifurtimox?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your child's dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.

The usual dosage of nifurtimox is 3 times per day with food, taken for 60 days. Follow the doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Each tablet should be swallowed whole or split in half. You may split a tablet by breaking it along scored line with your fingertip. Do not split a nifurtimox tablet using a tablet-cutting device.

If the child cannot swallow a tablet whole, place the tablet into 1/2 teaspoon of water. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve (in about 30 seconds). Give the mixture right away with food.

Nifurtimox doses are based on weight and may change if the child gains or loses weight. The doctor should check the child's weight every 2 weeks while the child takes nifurtimox.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

Nifurtimox dosing information

Usual Pediatric Dose for Trypanosomiasis:

BIRTH (TERM NEONATE) TO LESS THAN 18 YEARS:
Total Daily Dosage Based on Body Weight:
-Weight 2.5 to less than 40 kg: 10 to 20 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses 3 times a day
-Weight at least 40 kg: 8 to 10 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses 3 times a day

Individual Dosages Based on Body Weight:
-Weight 2.5 to 4.5 kg: 15 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 4.6 to less than 9 kg: 30 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 9 to less than 13 kg: 45 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 13 to less than 18 kg: 60 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 18 to less than 22 kg: 75 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 22 to less than 27 kg: 90 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 27 to less than 35 kg: 120 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 35 to less than 41 kg: 180 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 41 to less than 51 kg: 120 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 51 to less than 71 kg: 180 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight 71 to less than 91 kg: 240 mg orally 3 times a day
-Weight at least 91 kg: 300 mg orally 3 times a day

Duration of Therapy: 60 days

Comments:
-During therapy, patients can lose their appetite or have nausea/vomiting which can lead to weight loss; body weight should be checked every 14 days and dose should be adjusted accordingly.

Use: For the treatment of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) due to Trypanosoma cruzi

What happens if I miss a dose?

Give the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your child's next dose is due in less than 3 hours. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking nifurtimox?

Follow your child's doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

nifurtimox may cause muscle weakness or tremors and may impair your child's reactions. Your child should avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know the effects of this medicine.

What other drugs will affect nifurtimox?

Other drugs may affect nifurtimox, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell the doctor about all other medicines your child use.

Further information

• Your child's doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about nifurtimox.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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