How does it work?

Sodium stibogluconate is used specifically in the treatment of a protazoal infection called leishmaniasis. Protazoa are tiny living organisms that can cause infection inside the body. Leishmaniasis is a disease caught in tropical regions from the bites of sandflies. There are two types of the disease, one that affects the internal organs in the body and one that affects the skin. The way that sodium stibogluconate works is unknown, although there is some suggestion that it interferes with how the parasite produces it's energy. It is administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection only.

What is it used for?

Treatment of an infectious tropical disease transmitted by sandflies (visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis)

Warning!

Intravenous injection must be given slowly over 5 minutes. Stop if coughing or pain beneath the breastbone occurs.

Treatment should be stopped if abnormal changes in the rhythm of the heart occur on an ECG trace.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Heart disease

Local skin inflammation may occur in the successful treatment of leishmaniasis of the skin (mucocutaneous leshmaniasis)

Other infections occurring at the same time such as pneumonia should be treated.

Not to be used in

Severe kidney disease

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Diarrhoea

Nausea and vomiting

Pain at injection site

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Loss of appetite

Cough

Headache

Abdominal pain

Tiredness

Changes to the electrical trace of the heart (ECG)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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