Side Effects of benznidazole: A Synthesis of Findings from 23 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Benznidazole is a drug used to treat Chagas disease, but it has several side effects. A study in 11 found that the most common side effects of benznidazole in patients treated at a public hospital in Brazil were digestive, skin, and nervous system problems. A review of clinical trials in 2 revealed that benznidazole side effects can range from 5% to 73% of patients, and treatment discontinuation was often related to digestive, skin, and neurological issues.

Another study in 1 found that benznidazole side effects occur more frequently in older patients. Although it’s effective for treating acute Chagas disease, benznidazole effectiveness can diminish in the chronic phase. A study in 3 noted that benznidazole can cure about 80% of patients in the acute phase, but that number drops to 20% in adults with chronic Chagas disease.

Reasons for Side Effects

While the exact cause of benznidazole side effects is still being investigated, it’s thought to be related to how the drug breaks down in the body and how it builds up in certain tissues. A study in 4 suggests that the side effects of benznidazole can be influenced by the administration method and dosage.

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Common side effects of benznidazole treatment include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. A study in 2 found that digestive side effects were the most frequent cause of treatment discontinuation for benznidazole. Another study in 21 reported severe skin reactions from benznidazole.

Skin Side Effects

Benznidazole treatment can cause skin symptoms such as rash, itching, and redness. A study in 22 found that approximately 32.4% of patients treated with benznidazole experienced skin reactions. A study in 11 also reported skin reactions as a common side effect of benznidazole.

Neurological Side Effects

Neurological side effects of benznidazole treatment include headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, numbness, and paralysis. A study in 2 found that neurological side effects also contributed to treatment discontinuation for benznidazole.

Other Side Effects

Benznidazole treatment can also cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. A study in 4 found that benznidazole side effects could be neurological, gastrointestinal, skin, blood, liver, or heart-related. A study in 9 demonstrated that benznidazole exhibits cytotoxicity in human cells.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Preventing Side Effects

To prevent side effects of benznidazole, it is important to consult your doctor before treatment and explain your medical condition and any medications you are taking. A study in 4 suggests that benznidazole side effects may vary depending on the administration method and dosage. It is therefore important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking the medication.

Responding to Side Effects

If you experience side effects while taking benznidazole, consult your doctor immediately. A study in 2 found that treatment discontinuation was often caused by side effects, highlighting the importance of addressing them. A study in 6 found that providing patients with accurate information about benznidazole side effects can lead to greater adherence to treatment.

Comparison between Studies

Similarities

Many studies have consistently reported that benznidazole treatment is associated with gastrointestinal, skin, and neurological side effects. Many studies have also pointed out that the risk of side effects is higher in older adults.

Differences

There are some differences in the types and frequency of side effects reported in different studies. For example, a study in 22 found that approximately 32.4% of patients treated with benznidazole experienced skin reactions, while other studies reported fewer cases of skin reactions. Additionally, a study in 11 reported gastrointestinal side effects in patients treated with benznidazole, while a study in 2 reported more neurological side effects than gastrointestinal side effects. Such differences in the types and frequencies of side effects between studies are likely due to differences in the study population and methods.

Practical Implications

Benznidazole is an effective drug for treating Chagas disease, but it is important to understand the risk of side effects. A study in 2 found that side effects can lead patients to discontinue treatment. Therefore, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking benznidazole and to consult your doctor immediately if you experience side effects.

Limitations of Current Research

There are still many unanswered questions about the side effects of benznidazole. For example, further research is needed to understand the exact cause of benznidazole side effects and to develop effective ways to reduce them. More research is also needed to assess the long-term effects of benznidazole side effects.

Future Research Directions

To reduce the side effects of benznidazole and develop safer treatment options, it is crucial to elucidate the mechanisms of side effects and to develop biomarkers for predicting them. Research is also needed to evaluate the long-term effects of benznidazole side effects.

Conclusion

Benznidazole is an effective drug for treating Chagas disease, but it carries a risk of side effects. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking benznidazole and to consult your doctor immediately if you experience side effects. Research on the side effects of benznidazole is ongoing, and further investigation is needed to develop safer treatment options.

Literature analysis of 23 papers
Positive Content
19
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
4
Article Type
1
0
2
7
22
1.

Side effects of benznidazole as treatment in chronic Chagas disease: fears and realities.

Author: ViottiRodolfo, ViglianoCarlos, LococoBruno, AlvarezMaria Gabriela, PettiMarcos, BertocchiGraciela, ArmentiAlejandro

Chagas disease treatment
Benznidazole side effects

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects approximately 8 million people in Latin America. The main goal of treatment is to prevent the development of cardiomyopathy and transmission via blood transfusion, congenital, or organ transplant. Benznidazole is the only commercially available etiological treatment for Chagas disease. Despite not meeting all ideal drug criteria, it remains in use until better alternatives are developed. The efficacy and tolerance of benznidazole are inversely related to patient age, with side effects being more common in older patients. While systematic evaluation of side effects is mainly done in controlled studies, the actual clinical impact could differ due to the short treatment duration (30-60 days) and single-time administration. This article discusses the benefits and risks of benznidazole treatment from a clinical standpoint for managing chronic adult Chagas disease patients in current medical practice.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

2.

Monotherapy and combination chemotherapy for Chagas disease treatment: a systematic review of clinical efficacy and safety based on randomized controlled trials.

Author: Santana NogueiraSilas, Cardoso SantosEliziária, Oliveira SilvaRoberta, Vilela GonçalvesReggiani, LimaGraziela Domingues Almeida, Dias NovaesRômulo

ChD treatment
Adverse reactions

This review examined research on treating Chagas disease, a parasitic infection. The review found that the medication benznidazole (BNZ) is the most effective treatment, with higher success rates when taken for longer periods (up to 60 days). However, treatment with BNZ can cause side effects, leading to discontinuation in some cases. The review suggests that shorter treatment regimens, lower doses, and combinations of BNZ with other medications may be promising approaches to improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.

Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Chagas Disease Chemotherapy: What Do We Know So Far?

Author: ZumaAline A, de SouzaWanderley

Chagas disease treatment
Side effects

This review highlights the challenges in treating Chagas disease, an NTD that affects millions worldwide. Benznidazole and nifurtimox, the only available drugs, have limited efficacy and significant side effects. Several promising compounds have shown antiparasitic potential, offering hope for new treatments.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

5.

Assessing antibody decline after chemotherapy of early chronic Chagas disease patients.

Author: MurphyNiamh, CardinalM Victoria, BhattacharyyaTapan, EnriquezGustavo F, MacchiavernaNatalia P, AlvedroAlejandra, FreilijHéctor, Martinez de SalazarPablo, MolinaIsrael, MertensPascal, GillemanQuentin, GürtlerRicardo E, MilesMichael A

Chagas disease treatment

Chagas disease remains a significant public health problem in Latin America with limited treatment options and no definitive biomarkers of cure.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

7.

New Approaches for the Treatment of Chagas Disease.

Author: PandeyRamendra Pati, NascimentoMarilda Savoia, MooreCatrin E, RajV Samuel, KalilJorge, Cunha-NetoEdecio

Chagas disease treatment
Drug resistance

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected tropical disease. Current treatments, benznidazole and nifurtimox, are ineffective for the chronic phase and have side effects. Repurposing existing drugs in combination with benznidazole, potentially in nanoparticle formulations, could provide a safer and more effective treatment option.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

Chagas disease in the United Kingdom: A review of cases at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases London 1995-2018. The current state of detection of Chagas disease in the UK.

Author: González SanzMarta, De SarioValentina, García-MingoAna, NolderDebbie, DawoodNaghum, Álvarez-MartínezMíriam J, DalyRosemarie, LowePatricia, YacoubSophie, MooreDavid Aj, ChiodiniPeter L

Cardiac involvement
Gastrointestinal damage

Chagas disease (CD) is often undiagnosed in the UK. Most patients with serologically proven CD were asymptomatic. Benznidazole was the most common treatment, with some patients switching to nifurtimox due to intolerance. Key interventions are needed to improve the detection and management of CD in the UK.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

Antiprotozoal QSAR modelling for trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) based on thiosemicarbazone and thiazole derivatives.

Author: Nossa GonzálezDiana L, Gómez CastañoJovanny A, Rozo NúñezWilson E, DuchowiczPablo R

Antiprotozoal activity

This work developed three antiprotozoal quantitative structure-relationship (QSAR) models for Chagas disease, based on in vitro activity data. The models were validated and tested for a set of 13 structurally related aromatic cyclohexanone derivatives.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

11.

Characterization of adverse reactions to benznidazole in patients with Chagas disease in the Federal District, Brazil.

Author: GontijoMaria Katarine Costa Lucas, ArrudaHilda Maria Benevides da Silva de, NoronhaElza Ferreira, ToledoMaria Inês de

Benznidazole ADRs

Benznidazole treatment for Chagas disease was associated with a high incidence of adverse drug reactions, leading to treatment discontinuation in a significant number of patients.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.

Language : English

12.

Mitigation of benznidazole toxicity and oxidative stress following ascorbic acid supplementation in an adult traveller with chronic indeterminate Chagas' disease.

Author: Van Den BrouckeSteven, Van HerrewegheMaxim, BreynaertAnnelies, Van EsbroeckMarjan, TruyensCarine, De BruyneTess, HermansNina, HuitsRalph

Improved adherence to treatment
Reduced benznidazole toxicity

This case report found that ascorbic acid (AA) co-supplementation effectively mitigated benznidazole-induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) during the aetiological treatment of chronic indeterminate Chagas' disease (CD). The study suggests that the key pathophysiological mechanism of benznidazole-associated toxicity is oxidative stress, rather than hypersensitivity.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

13.

Short-course Benznidazole treatment to reduce Trypanosoma cruzi parasitic load in women of reproductive age (BETTY): a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial study protocol.

Author: CafferataMaría L, ToscaniMaría A, AlthabeFernando, BelizánJose M, BergelEduardo, BerruetaMabel, CapparelliEdmund V, CigandaÁlvaro, DanesiEmmaria, DumonteilEric, GibbonsLuz, GulayinPablo E, HerreraClaudia, MomperJeremiah D, RossiSteven, ShafferJeffrey G, SchijmanAlejandro G, Sosa-EstaniSergio, StellaCandela B, KleinKaren, BuekensPierre

Reduced transmission
Side effects

This study highlights the need for clinical trials testing alternative benznidazole courses among women of reproductive age to determine its efficacy in reducing T. cruzi parasitic load and preventing transmission in future pregnancies.

Clinical Trial ProtocolA plan for conducting a clinical trial. It describes in detail the purpose, design, methodology, and statistical considerations of the trial, ensuring the transparency and consistency of the trial.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

14.

Novel nitroimidazole derivatives evaluated for their trypanocidal, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities.

Author: do Vale Chaves E MelloFrancisco, Castro Salomão QuaresmaBruna Maria, Resende PitombeiraMarcelly Cristina, Araújo de BritoMonique, FariasPatrícia Pereira, Lisboa de CastroSolange, SalomãoKelly, Silva de CarvalhoAlcione, Oliveira de PaulaJéssica Isis, de Brito NascimentoSuelen, Peixoto CupelloMauricio, PaesMarcia Cristina, BoechatNubia, FelzenszwalbIsrael

Chagas disease treatment
Cytotoxicity
Genotoxicity

This study synthesized 4-nitroimidazole analogs of benznidazole for the treatment of Chagas disease. Compound 4 showed potent activity against T. cruzi, comparable to benznidazole, but exhibited cytotoxic and genotoxic effects at higher concentrations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

15.

Update on nifurtimox for treatment of Chagas disease.

Author: ThakareR, DasguptaA, ChopraS

Treatment for Chagas disease
Limited efficacy
Side effects

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This review discusses the current treatment for Chagas disease, which includes benznidazole and nifurtimox. The review highlights the limitations of current treatment, including its efficacy against the chronic phase of infection and the side effects associated with prolonged therapy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

17.

Benznidazole, itraconazole and their combination in the treatment of acute experimental Chagas disease in dogs.

Author: CunhaEleonora Lima Alves, TorchelsenFernanda Karoline Vieira da Silva, CunhaLucas Maciel, OliveiraMaykon Tavares, ReisLevi Eduardo Soares, FonsecaKátia da Silva, VieiraPaula Melo Abreu, CarneiroCláudia Martins, LanaMarta

CD treatment

Combining benznidazole with itraconazole showed greater reduction in parasitemia, increased survival, and reduced cardiac damage compared to monotherapy in dogs infected with T. cruzi.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

18.

Benznidazole/Poloxamer 407 Solid Dispersion as a New Strategy to Improve the Treatment of Experimental Trypanosoma cruzi Infection.

Author: DaviesCarolina, SimonazziAnalía, MicheloudJuan Francisco, RagonePaula Gabriela, CidAlicia Graciela, NegretteOlga Sánchez, BermúdezJosé María, ParadaLuis Antonio

Chagas disease treatment
Side effects

A new liquid formulation of benznidazole, a drug used for Chagas disease, was developed using the amphiphilic polymer poloxamer 407. The formulation demonstrated equivalent efficacy to the commercial formulation but without significant side effects or hepatotoxicity.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

22.

Side effects of benznidazole treatment in a cohort of patients with Chagas disease in non-endemic country.

Author: CarrileroB, MurciaL, Martínez-LageL, SegoviaM

Etiological treatment
Dermatological reactions
Digestive intolerance
Migratory arthritis

Benznidazole is the most commonly used drug for the treatment of Chagas disease. However, it can cause side effects such as dermatological reactions, digestive intolerance, and migratory arthritis.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

New regimens of benznidazole monotherapy and in combination with fosravuconazole for treatment of Chagas disease (BENDITA): a phase 2, double-blind, randomised trial.

Author: TorricoFaustino, GascónJoaquim, BarreiraFabiana, BlumBethania, AlmeidaIgor C, Alonso-VegaCristina, BarbozaTayná, BilbeGraeme, CorreiaErika, GarciaWilson, OrtizLourdes, ParradoRudy, RamirezJuan Carlos, RibeiroIsabela, Strub-WourgaftNathalie, VaillantMichel, Sosa-EstaniSergio,

New benznidazole regimens for Chagas disease

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of new benznidazole monotherapy regimens and combinations with fosravuconazole for treating Chagas disease, considering the limitations of current treatment options.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIA Phase II trial is a trial that further evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose safety has been confirmed to some extent in a Phase I trial, in a small number of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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