Characterization of adverse reactions to benznidazole in patients with Chagas disease in the Federal District, Brazil
Abstract INTRODUCTION: Benznidazole is used for treating Chagas disease (CD). This cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of benznidazole at a public hospital in Brazil’s Federal District. METHODS: Medical records were analyzed and ADRs were categorized by...
Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
2020-01-01
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Series: | Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0037-86822020000100622&tlng=en |
Summary: | Abstract INTRODUCTION: Benznidazole is used for treating Chagas disease (CD). This cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of benznidazole at a public hospital in Brazil’s Federal District. METHODS: Medical records were analyzed and ADRs were categorized by type, intensity, seriousness, and causality. RESULTS: Of the 62 patients who started benznidazole treatment for CD, 41 (66%) presented with 105 ADRs; 23 (37%) discontinued the treatment. Most reactions were classified as probable (81%), severe (63%), serious (67%), and dose-dependent (56%). CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of ADRs because of treatment withdrawal revealed the need for safer alternatives for CD treatment. |
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ISSN: | 1678-9849 |