Suramin

Also known as: Antrypol

Drug #697

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.

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Primary Characteristics

Suramin is also known as Antrypol.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Naphthaleinesulphonic Acid.

It belongs to Antiparasitic pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antiparasitic pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 1429 · Solubility in Water: freely · Solubility in Alcohol: slight · Non-proprietary name: Suramin.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Suramin has an oral bioavailability is 5.5% (±4.5%), pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 73% (±2%).

Distribution: Suramin has a volume of distribution is 20 - 80 litre. plasma protein binding is 99.7 %.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 2 - 6 days.

Indications

Suramin is primarily indicated in conditions like AIDS, Onchoceriasis, Trypanosomiasis.

Contraindications

Suramin is contraindicated in conditions like Renal failure, Debility.

Dosage

Suramin's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
2.14 mg/kg	2.14 mg/kg	—	IV	Initially for Once
14.29 mg/kg	14.29 mg/kg	—	IV	Maintenance, Once a Week for 5-6 Weeks
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Suramin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Abdominal pain, Adrenal insufficiency , Fever , Jaundice , Leucopenia, Mucosal ulceration , Nausea , Stomatitis , Urticaria , Renal damage , Thrombocytopenia , Vomiting .

Suramin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Nausea, Vomiting, Unconsciousness, Shock . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Suramin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Constipation , Polyarthritis , Skin eruptions, SweatingX, Urticaria.

Warnings / Precautions

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.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Suramin should be stored Inj.

Drug Classification

1.6.4.4 — Antitrypanosomal drugs