Nifurtimox Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 4, 2024.

Applies to nifurtimox: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of nifurtimox

Along with its needed effects, nifurtimox may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nifurtimox:

More common

• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fever
• headache
• nausea
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• weight loss

Less common

• black, tarry stools
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sore throat
• swollen glands
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• difficulty in moving
• fainting
• fear, nervousness
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• irritability
• joint pain
• lack or loss of strength
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aching or cramping
• muscle pains or stiffness
• seizure
• sensation of spinning
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, feet
• swollen joints
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

Incidence not known

• agitation
• anxiety
• bleeding gums
• blood in urine or stools
• delusions
• difficulty swallowing
• dry mouth
• fast or slow heartbeat
• hallucinations
• itching, skin rash
• lack of feeling or emotion
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs
• loss of memory
• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• problems with memory
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
• restlessness
• shaking
• tightness in the chest
• trouble sleeping

Other side effects of nifurtimox

Some side effects of nifurtimox may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nifurtimox: oral tablet.

General

The side effects reported most often in patients treated with this drug for 60 days were vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, decreased appetite, nausea, pyrexia, and rash.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Vomiting (14.6%), abdominal pain (included abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain; 13.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (12.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, paresthesia, tremor, somnolence, seizure, syncope
• Postmarketing reports: Vertigo, amnesia, polyneuropathy^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (10.5%)^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, weight decreased
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthenia, fatigue^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash (included rash, macular rash, maculopapular rash, morbilliform rash, papular rash), urticaria
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, eosinophilia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Neutropenia, leukopenia
• Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Irritability, anxiety
• Postmarketing reports: Apathy, agitation, psychotic behavior, sleep disorder^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthralgia, myalgia
• Postmarketing reports: Muscle weakness^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis)^[Ref]

Further information

Nifurtimox side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer