Benznidazole Dosage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 26, 2019.
Applies to the following strengths: 12.5 mg; 100 mg
Usual Adult Dose for:
Usual Pediatric Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Trypanosomiasis
US CDC Recommendations: 5 to 7 mg/kg/day orally in 2 divided doses for 60 days
Comments:
-Up to 50 years with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection without advanced Chagas cardiomyopathy: Treatment is strongly recommended.
-Older than 50 years with chronic T cruzi infection: Decision to treat with antiparasitic drugs should be individualized, weighing benefits/risks for each patient; factors such as patient age, clinical status, preference, and overall health should be considered.
-Current guidelines should be consulted for additional information.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Trypanosomiasis
2 to 12 years: 5 to 8 mg/kg/day orally in 2 divided doses
As calculated for tablets:
Less than 15 kg: 50 mg orally twice a day
15 to less than 20 kg: 62.5 mg orally twice a day
20 to less than 30 kg: 75 mg orally twice a day
30 to less than 40 kg: 100 mg orally twice a day
40 to less than 60 kg: 150 mg orally twice a day
60 kg or more: 200 mg orally twice a day
Duration of therapy: 60 days
Comments:
-Doses should be separated by about 12 hours.
Use: For the treatment of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) due to T cruzi
-Approved under accelerated approval based on number of treated patients who became immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody negative against recombinant antigens of T cruzi; continued approval may depend on verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
US CDC Recommendations:
Less than 12 years: 5 to 7.5 mg/kg/day orally in 2 divided doses
12 years or older: 5 to 7 mg/kg/day orally in 2 divided doses
Duration of therapy: 60 days
Comments:
-Antiparasitic therapy is recommended for all cases of acute/reactivated Chagas disease and for chronic T cruzi infection in children up to 18 years; congenital infections are considered acute disease.
-Current guidelines should be consulted for additional information.
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Comments:
-According to some experts, this drug is contraindicated in patients with severe renal dysfunction.
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Comments:
-According to some experts, this drug is contraindicated in patients with severe liver dysfunction.
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 2 years or older than 12 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for dosing related precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
-Before starting this drug, obtain a pregnancy test in females of reproductive potential.
-May administer without regard to food
-Can make the tablets into slurry as an alternative method of administration; after preparation, drink the contents of the cup at once. If less than 30 kg, rinse the cup with an additional 10 mL of water and drink the entire amount; if 30 kg or more, rinse the cup by adding 80 mL of water, drink the entire amount, repeat rinse with 80 mL of water, and drink again.
Storage requirements:
-Store at controlled room temperature 20C to 25C (68F to 77F); excursions permitted to 15C to 30C (59F to 86F).
-Keep bottle tightly closed and protect from moisture.
Reconstitution/preparation techniques:
-The tablets may be made into a slurry; the manufacturer product information should be consulted regarding tablet strength, tablet quantity, and specified volume of water.
(a) Place the prescribed dose into a cup.
(b) Add the specified volume of water.
(c) Allow the tablets to disintegrate in the cup over about 1 to 2 minutes.
(d) Shake the contents of the cup gently to mix.
General:
-The 100-mg tablets can be split into 1/2 (50 mg) or 1/4 (25 mg) at the scored lines to provided doses less than 100 mg.
Monitoring:
-Hematologic: CBC; total and differential leukocyte counts (before, during, and after therapy)
Patient advice:
-Read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Instructions for Use).
-Do not consume alcoholic beverages or propylene glycol-containing products during therapy and for at least 72 hours after the last dose.
Frequently asked questions
More about benznidazole
- Side Effects
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Imprints, Shape & Color Data
- Drug Interactions
- Pricing & Coupons
- En Español
- Drug class: miscellaneous antibiotics
- FDA Approval History
Consumer resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.