Melarsoprol

Drug #447

Melarsoprol is antprotozoal drug, used in the treatment of advanced african trypanosomiasis with CNS involvement, but it has replaced other arsenicals for this purpose.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Melarsen Oxide.

It belongs to Pyruvate Kinase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action. It is also classified under Antiprotozal Agent .

Molecular Weight: 398.3 · Solubility in Water: insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: insoluble · Non-proprietary name: Melarsoprol.

Pharmacokinetics

Elimination: renal excretion is Urine.

Indications

Melarsoprol is primarily indicated in conditions like Trypanosomiasis.

Contraindications

Melarsoprol is contraindicated in conditions like Viral infection.

Dosage

Melarsoprol's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
3.6 mg/kg	3.6 mg/kg	—	IM	For -4 repeater 2 or 3 times with an inteval of 7-10 days.
3.6 mg/kg	3.6 mg/kg	—	IV	For -4 repeater 2 or 3 times with an inteval of 7-10 days.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Melarsoprol in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Liver damage , Jarisch herxheimer reaction , Jaundice , Jaundice , Thrombophlebitis , Erythema , Coma , Albuminuria , Urinary casts .

Melarsoprol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis, Thrombocytopenia , Encephalopathy , Aplastic Anemia , Exfoliative dermatitis, Peripheral neuropathy, Aplastic anemia. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Melarsoprol is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal colic, Abdominal pain, Arthralgia, Convulsions , Erythematous rash, Fever, Headache, Limb pain, Nausea and vomiting, Slurred speech, Urticaria.

Warnings / Precautions

Melarsoprol should be used with extreme caution in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency. It should not be administered during epidemics of influenza. Malaria or pneumonia should be treated before administration of melarsoprol. Patient should be in hospital when they are treated with melarsoprol. It should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Melarsoprol should be stored .

Drug Classification

1.6.4.4 — Antitrypanosomal drugs