Have you been prescribed Benznidazole? Let's talk about this medication.

Sometimes the cause of our illnesses is not bacteria or viruses. Various infections can also be caused by small parasites that enter our bodies. Benznidazole is a special medicine that is given to treat such specific parasitic infections. So if your doctor has prescribed this medicine for you, we will simply talk about everything you need to know about it in this article.

What kind of medicine exactly is Benznidazole?

Simply put, this is a medicine that works against parasites. In medical terms, we call this an ``antiprotozoal'' class of medicine. It works by killing specific parasites in your body and curing the infection.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine

It is important for your safety to discuss certain things with your doctor before starting this medication. If you have any of the conditions below, tell your doctor before prescribing the medication.

• If you have a rare genetic condition called Cockayne syndrome .
• If you have problems with your blood . That means conditions such as a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood.
• If you have nerve problems , for example, numbness in your fingers or toes, or other nerve problems.
• If you have allergies . That is, if you have previously had an allergy to this Benznidazole medicine, any other medicine, food, preservatives, or dyes.
• This is a must-mention if you are pregnant, hoping to become pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother .

How should I use this medicine?

It is very important to take this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed, in the correct dosage, and at the correct time.

• Take this pill with a glass of water. Try to take it at the same time every day.
• You can take it before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea after taking this medicine, take it with a meal.
• Some pills have a line drawn through the middle. If your doctor advises you, you can break them along that line and take the required dose.
• Alternatively, you can crush the pill well, mix it with a little water (make it into a slurry), and drink it. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
• The most important thing is, do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better. It is essential to take the full course of treatment.

Can this medicine be given to children?

Yes, in some special cases, this medicine is also prescribed for children over 2 years of age. However, you need to be very careful with it, so follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What if I take too much medicine?

Imagine if you accidentally drank more than the prescribed dose. If that happens, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.

Special considerations when taking medication

There are several things you should pay attention to while using this medicine.

• Regular medical check-ups: Visit your doctor on the days that he or she recommends and check your condition. Tell your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.
• Severe skin reactions: This is very important. This medicine can cause serious skin reactions in some people. These can occur even weeks after starting the medicine. If you develop a red or purple rash with symptoms such as fever, body aches, and then blisters and peel the skin, or if you have swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, tell your doctor right away.
• Pregnancy: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. If you are a woman of childbearing potential, it is essential that you use effective birth control while taking this medicine and for 5 days after stopping the medicine . This is because there is a risk of serious harm to the unborn baby. Ask your doctor for more information about this.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine?

It is very important to store and dispose of medication properly.

• Storage:Keep the bottle tightly closed, out of the reach of children and pets, away from moisture, at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
• Disposal: When disposing of expired or no longer needed medications, remove the pills from the bottle. Mix them well with used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and place them in a sealed bag and dispose of them in the trash. Never flush medications down the toilet. If you have any questions, ask your doctor for advice.