Nifurtimox
Nifurtimox (pronounced: ni-fur-ti-mox) is a medication used primarily in the treatment of Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis. It is a nitrofuran compound, and its chemical name is (RS)-3-methyl-N-[(E)-(5-nitrofuran-2-yl)methylidene]thiomorpholin-4-amine 1,1-dioxide.
Etymology
The term "Nifurtimox" is derived from its chemical structure, with "Ni" for nitro, "fur" for furan, "ti" for thiomorpholine, and "mox" for the methylamino group.
Usage
Nifurtimox is used primarily to treat Chagas disease, a tropical parasitic disease caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. It is also used in combination with eflornithine in the treatment of second-stage African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), particularly in cases caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.
Mechanism of Action
Nifurtimox is a prodrug that is metabolized into a variety of active metabolites. These metabolites generate reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress and damage to the parasite, leading to its death.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Nifurtimox include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, and neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy and insomnia.
Related Terms
- Chagas disease
- Trypanosoma cruzi
- African trypanosomiasis
- Eflornithine
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Insomnia
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nifurtimox
- Wikipedia's article - Nifurtimox
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