Suramin

A medication used to treat African sleeping sickness and river blindness

2D skeletal structure of Suramin

Ball-and-stick model of Suramin

Suramin is a medication primarily used to treat African trypanosomiasis, also known as African sleeping sickness, and onchocerciasis, commonly referred to as river blindness. It is classified as an antiparasitic drug and is administered via intravenous injection.

History

Suramin was first synthesized in 1916 by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG. It was developed as part of a series of compounds aimed at treating trypanosomiasis, a disease caused by the Trypanosoma parasite. Suramin was one of the first drugs to be used in the treatment of this disease and remains in use today, particularly for the early stages of the illness.

Mechanism of Action

Suramin works by inhibiting the enzymes necessary for the energy metabolism of the parasites. It interferes with the function of the glycolytic pathway and the pentose phosphate pathway, which are crucial for the survival of the parasites. This action effectively starves the parasites of energy, leading to their death.

Medical Uses

Suramin is used in the treatment of:

• African trypanosomiasis: It is effective in the early stages of the disease before the central nervous system is involved. Suramin is not effective in the later stages when the parasite has crossed the blood-brain barrier.

• Onchocerciasis: Suramin is used to kill the adult worms of the parasite Onchocerca volvulus, which causes river blindness. However, it is not effective against the microfilariae, the larval stage of the parasite.

Side Effects

The use of Suramin can lead to several side effects, including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rashes
• Kidney damage
• Adrenal gland dysfunction
• Neurological symptoms such as headache and dizziness

Due to these potential side effects, the administration of Suramin requires careful monitoring by healthcare professionals.

Pharmacokinetics

Suramin is administered intravenously and has a long half-life, which allows for infrequent dosing. It is not metabolized by the liver and is excreted unchanged in the urine. The drug's long half-life is due to its high degree of protein binding and its large volume of distribution.

Research and Development

Suramin has been studied for its potential use in other diseases, including certain types of cancer and autism spectrum disorder. However, these uses are still under investigation and are not approved by regulatory agencies.

Related Pages

• African trypanosomiasis
• Onchocerciasis
• Antiparasitic drugs