Sodium stibogluconate: uses and side effects

Introduction

Sodium stibogluconate, a synthetic pentavalent antimonial agent, is a medication used to treat cutaneous, visceral, and mucosal leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection transmitted by sand-fly bites. It is also known by its chemical name, antimony D-gluconic acid, and the brand name Pentostam®. Sodium stibogluconate is also occasionally used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia. It is not approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration and is not available in New Zealand. It is most used in tropical countries[1].

Mechanism of action and use

Sodium stibogluconate is an organic antimony derivative. Its mechanism is unclear, but it may act by binding to thiol groups in the parasite and inhibiting the formation of high-energy phosphates (ATP and guanosine triphosphate [GTP]). It is used to treat visceral leishmaniasis.

Pharmacokinetics

Sodium stibogluconate must be given parenterally by intramuscular injection or slow intravenous infusion. It is eliminated by the kidneys and has a half-life of 6 hours.

Side effects

Side effects of sodium stibogluconate include gastrointestinal tract complaints (i.e., nausea and diarrhea), musculoskeletal complaints (i.e., muscle and joint pain), fatigue, serum transaminase elevations, T-wave inversion or flattening, pancreatitis, and rarely, myocardial, renal, and hepatic damage. Sodium stibogluconate is available from the CDC[2].

References

[1] Waller, D. and A. Sampson. “51 – Chemotherapy of infections.” 1900. 0.

[2] Ryan, E. “296 – Antiparasitic Agents.” 1900. 0.