Health Library

Benznidazole (By mouth)

Benznidazole (benz-NYE-da-zole)

Treats Chagas disease.

Brand Name(s):

Benznidazole

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• This tablet is scored. You may take it whole or broken at the scored lines. You may cut it in half or into fourths as directed by your doctor. This medicine may be given as a slurry.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it in its original bottle.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you have taken disulfiram within the last two weeks. Also, do not take alcohol or alcoholic products during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 days after your last dose.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 5 days after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Possible risk for cancer
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Peripheral neuropathy (nerve problem)
• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches
• Headache
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Decreased weight
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024