indication

For treatment of human sleeping sickness, onchocerciasis and other diseases caused by trypanosomes and worms.

mechanism of action

The mechanism is unknown, but the trypanocidal activity may be due to the inhibition of enzymes involved with the oxidation of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NADH), which functions as a co-enzyme in many cellular reactions, such as respiration and glycolysis, in the trypanosome parasite. Suramin's action in the treatment of onchocerciasis is macrofilaricidal and partially microfilaricidal. It may also act as an antagonist of P2 receptors and as an agonist of Ryanodine receptors. It also can inhibit follicle-stimulating hormone receptors.

biotransformation

Little or no metabolism

absorption

Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

half life

Approximately 36 to 60 days