Anti-Protozoal Drugs Used in Pediatrics
This page contains comprehensive information about anti-protozoal drugs, specifically those used in pediatric cases. It includes detailed descriptions of various medications such as Metronidazole, Nitazoxanide, Paromomycin, Tinidazole, and Atovaquone. For each drug, you will find information on its indications, dosages, contraindications, adverse effects, and special notes that are crucial for safe and effective use. This resource aims to provide healthcare professionals and caregivers with essential knowledge to treat protozoal infections in children accurately.
Additionally, the page also offers a classification of anti-protozoal drugs, categorizing them based on their chemical structure and mechanism of action. This classification helps in understanding the diverse range of available medications and their specific applications. Whether you are a medical practitioner looking for precise dosing guidelines or a caregiver seeking information on the side effects of a prescribed medication, this page serves as a valuable tool in managing protozoal infections in pediatric patients.
Classification of Anti-Protozoals
1. Nitroimidazoles: Metronidazole, Tinidazole
2. Nitazoxanide: Nitazoxanide
3. Aminoglycosides: Paromomycin
4. Hydroxynaphthoquinone: Atovaquone
5. 4-Aminoquinoline: Chloroquine
6. Folate Antagonists: Pyrimethamine, Sulfadiazine
7. Antibiotics with Anti-Protozoal Activity: Clindamycin, Tetracycline, Doxycycline
Metronidazole
Indications: Giardiasis, amebiasis, trichomoniasis, anaerobic bacterial infections.
Dosage:
- Giardiasis: 15 mg/kg/day in divided doses for 5-7 days.
- Amebiasis: 35-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses for 7-10 days.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to metronidazole, first trimester of pregnancy.
Adverse Effects: Nausea, headache, dry mouth, metallic taste, rare neurotoxicity.
Special Note: Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose due to the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction.
Nitazoxanide
Indications: Cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis.
Dosage:
- 1-3 years: 100 mg every 12 hours for 3 days.
- 4-11 years: 200 mg every 12 hours for 3 days.
- 12 years and older: 500 mg every 12 hours for 3 days.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to nitazoxanide.
Adverse Effects: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea.
Special Note: Can be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Paromomycin
Indications: Intestinal amebiasis, leishmaniasis.
Dosage:
- Intestinal amebiasis: 25-35 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for 5-10 days.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to paromomycin or other aminoglycosides.
Adverse Effects: Nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, ototoxicity.
Special Note: Monitor renal function and hearing, especially in long-term use.
Tinidazole
Indications: Giardiasis, amebiasis, trichomoniasis.
Dosage:
- Giardiasis: 50 mg/kg (up to 2 g) once daily for 3 days.
- Amebiasis: 50-60 mg/kg (up to 2 g) once daily for 3 days.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to tinidazole, first trimester of pregnancy.
Adverse Effects: Nausea, metallic taste, headache, dizziness, rare seizures.
Special Note: Similar to metronidazole, avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 72 hours after the last dose.
Atovaquone
Indications: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), toxoplasmosis, babesiosis.
Dosage:
- PCP: 20 mg/kg every 12 hours for 21 days.
- Toxoplasmosis: 750 mg twice daily for 3-6 weeks (in combination with other agents).
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to atovaquone.
Adverse Effects: Rash, gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, fever.
Special Note: Administer with food to enhance absorption.
