Health Library

Nifurtimox (By mouth)

Nifurtimox (nye-FYOOR-ti-mix)

Treats Chagas disease.

Brand Name(s):

Lampit

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.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• This tablet is scored. You may take it whole or broken at the scored lines. You may cut it in half by hand or as directed by your doctor. Do not break the tablet with a tablet splitting device. To split the tablet:
  • Place the tablet on a flat surface with the scored line facing up.
  • Apply enough pressure down on the center of the tablet with your index finger to break it in half along the scored line.
• For patients who cannot swallow the whole or half tablets, you may dissolve it in water to make a mixture (slurry). To prepare the slurry:
  • Place at least one-half teaspoonful (2.5 mL) of water into a spoon.
  • Place the prescribed dose into the water and let it dissolve for at least 30 seconds.
  • Take the slurry right away with food.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose and it is more than 3 hours from your next scheduled dose, take it as soon as possible, and then go back to your regular schedule. If you miss a dose and it is within 3 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine in its original bottle. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

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 drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, you must have a negative pregnancy test before you will be allowed to receive this medicine. Female patients should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients who have female partners should use an effective form of birth control (including condom) during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease (including end stage kidney disease patients receiving dialysis), liver disease, porphyria, or a history of brain injury, seizures, mental problems, or behavior changes.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Worsening of nerve or mental problems
  • Acute attacks of porphyria
  • Vomiting, rash, decreased appetite, fever, and irritability in infants exposed to breast milk
• This medicine may cause nausea and vomiting which can lead to decreased appetite and weight. Check you body weight every 14 days. Your doctor may change your dose if needed.
• This medicine may cause muscle weakness or tremors. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• 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).
• 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
• Dark urine, skin sensitivity to the sun, mental changes, muscle pain, tingling, or numbness
• Decreased appetite and weight
• Fever, headache
• 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