Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully before you start taking nifurtimox and each time you get a refill. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Take this medicine with food.

This tablet is scored. You may take it whole or broken at the scored lines. You may cut it in half by hand or as directed by your doctor. Do not break the tablet with a tablet splitting device. To split the tablet:

  • Place the tablet on a flat surface with the scored line facing up.
  • Apply enough pressure down on the center of the tablet with your index finger to break it in half along the scored line.

For patients who cannot swallow the whole or half tablets, you may dissolve it in water to make a mixture (slurry). To prepare the slurry:

  • Place at least one-half teaspoonful (2.5 mL) of water into a spoon.
  • Place the prescribed dose into the water and let it dissolve for at least 30 seconds.
  • Take the slurry right away with food.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For the treatment of Chagas disease:
      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and is usually 8 to 20 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight given 3 times a day for 60 days.
        • Weighing 91 kg or more—300 mg (2 ½120 mg tablets) given 3 times a day for 60 days.
        • Weighing 71 kg to less than 91 kg—240 mg (two 120 mg tablets) given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 51 kg to less than 71 kg—180 mg (1 ½ 120 mg tablets given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 41 kg to less than 51 kg—120 mg (one 120 mg tablet) given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 35 kg to less than 41 kg—180 mg (1 ½ 120 mg tablets) given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 27 kg to less than 35 kg—120 mg (four 30 mg tablets or one 120 mg tablet) given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 22 kg to less than 27 kg—90 mg (three 30 mg tablets given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 18 kg to less than 22 kg—75 mg (2 ½ 30 mg tablets) given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 13 kg to less than 18 kg—60 mg (two 30 mg tablets or ½ 120 mg tablet) given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 9 kg to less than 13 kg—45 mg (1 ½ 30 mg tablets) given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 4.6 kg to less than 9 kg—30 mg (one 30 mg tablet) given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing 2.5 kg to less than 4.5 kg—15 mg (½ 30 mg tablet) given 3 times a day 60 days.
        • Weighing less than 2.5 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose and it is more than 3 hours from your next scheduled dose, take it as soon as possible, and then go back to your regular schedule. If you miss a dose and it is within 3 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the medicine in its original bottle. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.