Arsobal (melarsoprol) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

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Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)

Investigational drug

Not commercially available in US; however, available as treatment IND from CDC; 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

2-3.6 mg/kg/day IV x3 days

After 1 week: 3.6 mg/kg/day IV x3 days

Repeat again after 10-21 days: 3.6 mg/kg/day

African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)

Investigational drug

Not commercially available in US; however, available as treatment IND from CDC; 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

18-25 mg/kg total over 1 month

Initial 0.36 mg/kg IV

Incr gradually to 3.6 mg/kg IV at intervals of 1-5 days for total of 9-10 doses

Frequency Not Defined

Hypertension

Myocardial damage

Encephalopathy

Peripheral neuropathy

Colic

Vomiting

Albuminuria

Herxheimer-type reaction

Contraindications

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, hypersensitivity

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: no studies conducted

Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits synthesis of ATP - the energy required for survival of the parasite

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Crosses blood-brain barrier

Vd: 100 L/kg

Half-life: mean terminal elimination: 35 hr

Excreted: urine

Images

No images available for this drug.

Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

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The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

Tier	Description
1	This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2	This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC	NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.

Code	Definition
PA	Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL	Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST	Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR	Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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Sections melarsoprol
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

melarsoprol (Rx)

Dosing & Uses

African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)

African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)

Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Warnings

Contraindications

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Categories

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Pharmacokinetics

Images

Patient Handout

Formulary

Plans

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