Benznidazole
Benznidazole is an antiparasitic medication primarily used to treat Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), a serious parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is effective during acute, early chronic, and congenital phases of the infection, as well as for reactivation in immunocompromised patients.
Benznidazole is an antiparasitic drug used to treat Chagas disease caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P01CA02
- RxNorm
- 18994
- Generic
- Benznidazole
- Class
- atc-p01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, consider alternative treatments
regular fetal monitoring, ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second and third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only if benefits outweigh risks, consider delaying treatment until after delivery if possible
regular prenatal monitoring, fetal growth assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
breastfeeding generally not contraindicated but individual assessment required, monitor infant for adverse effects
monitor infant for signs of adverse reactions
pediatric_age
infants and childrenweight-based dosing required
dosing is weight-based, typically 5-7 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, treatment duration 60 days
regular monitoring of blood counts and liver function
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment, start at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to potential comorbidities, monitor renal and hepatic function
regular monitoring of renal function, hepatic function, and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment recommended
use with caution, monitor renal function during treatment
regular monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment recommended
use with caution, monitor liver function during treatment
regular monitoring of liver enzymes and hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid alcohol during treatment
avoid concomitant alcohol consumption, may increase risk of hepatotoxicity
monitor liver function more frequently
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Classification as antiprotozoal agent
Primary indication
Treatment of acute and chronic Chagas disease
First FDA approval
First FDA-approved treatment for Chagas disease
Mechanism of action
Antiparasitic mechanism
Treatment of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, including acute phase, early chronic phase, congenital transmission, and reactivation in immunocompromised patients such as those with HIV/AIDS or transplant recipients.
Benznidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial that enters parasitic cells where it is reduced by microbial enzymes, generating reactive nitro radical intermediates that cause DNA strand breakage, inhibit protein synthesis, and damage parasite lipids and cell membranes, leading to parasite death.
Common side effects include skin rash, nausea, headache, and peripheral neuropathy; blood count monitoring is recommended during treatment. Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential fetal harm. Complete adherence to the full treatment course (typically 60 days) is essential for optimal efficacy. May cause photosensitivity reactions.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy