Suramin (Suramin)
Overview of Suramin
Suramin is antitrypanosomal and antifungal agent. Suramin is effective against parasites Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Onchocerca volvulus. Suramin is in the investigational phase for use as an anticancer drug for the treatement of acute leukemia.
Indication of Suramin
Suramin is primarily indicated in conditions like AIDS, Onchoceriasis, Trypanosomiasis.
Contraindication of Suramin
Suramin is contraindicated in conditions like Renal failure,Debility.
Side Effects of Suramin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Suramin, which give rise to further complications include Nausea, Vomiting, Fever, Renal damage, Urticaria, Thrombocytopenia, Stomatitis, Abdominal pain, Jaundice, Leucopenia, Mucosal ulceration, Adrenal insufficiency.,Suramin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Nausea, Vomiting, Unconsciousness, Shock. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Suramin therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Suramin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Constipation, Urticaria, SweatingX, Skin eruptions, Polyarthritis.
Precautions of Suramin
Avoid use suramin in elderly patients or in patients with severe liver or kidney disease. Suramin should be administered under close medical supervision and general condition of patients improved as far as possible before treatment starts. The urine should be tested before treatment starts and at weekly intervals during treatment, dose should be reduced if moderate proteinuria develops and discontinued if it becomes severe.