Clinical pharmacokinetics of suramin in patients with onchocerciasis.
OBJECTIVE
Ten male patients with onchocerciasis received six weekly infusions of suramin according to the WHO-recommended regimen.


RESULTS
In no case did the plasma concentration of suramin exceed 300 mg x l(-1), and serious toxicity was not observed. The apparent volume of distribution (median 20.6 l) was comparable to that reported for patients with prostatic carcinoma. Elimination from patients with onchocerciasis was relatively slow (median plasma clearance 6.2 ml x h(-1), median terminal elimination half-life 91.8 days).


CONCLUSIONS
Microfilariae were eliminated in eight out of ten patients. Spontaneous nodule regression was noted in four patients.
Chijioke
C P
CP
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Enugu State.
Umeh
R E
RE
Mbah
A U
AU
Nwonu
P
P
Fleckenstein
L L
LL
Okonkwo
P O
PO
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000969:Antinematodal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005528:Foot / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D008842:Microfilariae / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009854:Onchocerca / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D009855:Onchocerciasis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000139:chemically induced; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000469:parasitology; D013498:Suramin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D013498:Suramin