Pentavalent antimonials (also abbreviated pentavalent Sb or SbV) are a group of compounds used for the treatment of leishmaniasis. They are also called pentavalent antimony compounds.
Types[edit]
The first pentavalent antimonial, urea stibamine, was synthesised by the Indian scientist Upendranath Brahmachari in 1922. Though it caused a dramatic decline in deaths due to leishmaniasis, it fell out of favour in the 1950s due to higher toxicity compared to sodium stibogluconate.[citation needed]
The compounds currently available for clinical use are:
- sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam; manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline; available in United States [through the Centers for Disease Control only] and UK), which is administered by slow intravenous injection.
- meglumine antimoniate (Glucantim; manufactured by Aventis; available in Brazil, France and Italy), which is administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection.[1]
The pentavalent antimonials can only be given by injection: there are no oral preparations available.[citation needed]
Alternatives[edit]
In many countries, widespread resistance to antimony has meant that liposomal amphotericin or miltefosine are now used in preference.[2]
Side effects[edit]
Cardiotoxicity, reversible kidney failure, pancreatitis, anemia, leukopenia, rash, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia, myalgia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminase elevation.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ Lima EB, Porto C, Motta JCO, Sampaio RNR.Treatment of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. An Bras Dermatol. 2007;82(2):111-24.
- ^ Olliaro P, Guerin P, Gerstl S (2005). "Treatment options for visceral leishmaniasis: a systematic review of clinical studies done in India, 1980–2004". Lancet Infect Dis. 5 (12): 763–774. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(05)70296-6. hdl:10144/66036. PMID 16310148.