Suramin

Suramin is a medication primarily used to treat African sleeping sickness and river blindness. It is a polysulfonated naphthylurea that inhibits the binding of various growth factors and other ligands to their cell-surface receptors.

History

Suramin was first synthesized by Oskar Dressel and Richard Kothe of Bayer AG in 1916. It was initially used in the treatment of trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness.

Medical Uses

Suramin is used for treatment of human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. It is effective for both stages of the disease. Suramin is also used for treatment of onchocerciasis, or river blindness.

Mechanism of Action

Suramin works by inhibiting the growth of the parasites that cause the diseases. It does this by blocking the enzymes that the parasites need to multiply and spread.

Side Effects

Common side effects of suramin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More serious side effects can include kidney damage, allergic reactions, and neurological effects such as confusion and seizures.

Research

Suramin has been studied for use in a number of other conditions including cancer and HIV/AIDS. However, its use in these conditions is not currently approved.

See Also

• African trypanosomiasis
• Onchocerciasis
• Oskar Dressel
• Richard Kothe
• Bayer AG