Lampit (Nifurtimox)

Description

Lampit (nifurtimox) is a medication used for the treatment of Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, in pediatric patients from birth to less than 18 years old who weigh at least 2.5 kg.

Directions

Lampit is supplied in scored tablets of 30 mg and 120 mg strengths.

Follow the instructions that come with your Lampit prescription. If you have any questions or concerns about your prescription, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage:

Patients weighing 41 kg or more: 8-10 mg/kg total per day.

Patients weighing less than 41 kg: 10 to 20 mg/kg total per day.

Take Lampit tablets by mouth three times a day for 60 days. Take with food.

If you are a woman of childbearing age, a pregnancy test should be taken before treatment with Lampit begins.

Ingredients

Nifurtimox, a nitrofuran antiprotozoal, is the active ingredient in Lampit.

Contraindications

Do not take Lampit if you are allergic to nifurtimox or any of its other ingredients or excipients.

Do not consume alcohol while being treated with Lampit.

Cautions

• Before starting treatment with Lampit, inform your doctor:
• Of all the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements
• Of your allergies
• Of your health problems
• Of your pregnancy status
• Of your breastfeeding status

• Lampit has the potential to cause genotoxicity and carcinogenicity.
• Harm to an unborn baby can occur with the use of Lampit. If you are a woman of childbearing age, a pregnancy test should be taken before you begin treatment with Lampit. Effective birth control methods should be used, and males with female partners of childbearing age should use condoms.
• Neurological and psychiatric problems may worsen with the use of Lampit in patients who have had a brain injury, seizures, psychiatric disease, or serious behavioral changes. 
• Severe allergic reactions, including low blood pressure, swelling under the skin, shortness of breath, itching, rash, or other skin reactions, can occur with the use of Lampit. Immediately get emergency care if you experience any of these effects.
• Weight loss and a decrease in appetite can occur with the use of Lampit. Be sure to monitor your weight every 2 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your weight.
• Porphyria, an excess of chemicals in the body that make porphyrin, can occur with the use of Lampit.

Side Effects

Lampit can cause side effects that include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, fever, and rash; however, these are not the only side effects that can occur with the use of Lampit. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience bothersome or continuous side effects.

References:

1. Lampit (nifurtimox) tablets, for oral use. Whippany, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2020.
2. Porphyria. Mayo Clinic. June 3, 2020. Accessed March 22, 2022.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....