Benambax for injection is an aromatic diamine class antiparasitic drug developed by Sanofi. It is a prescription drug mainly used for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), leishmaniasis, and African trypanosomiasis in immunocompromised patients.

1. Drug name and main ingredients

Common name: Pentamidine

Product Name: Benambax ®

Dosage form: Freeze dried powder injection for injection

Main ingredient: Pentamidine Isothiosulfate

2. Indications

Black fever (visceral leishmaniasis): a systemic infection caused by Leishmania parasites.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP): used for the prevention and treatment of immune deficiency patients (such as AIDS).

3. Specifications and characteristics

Specification: Each bottle contains 300mg of piperidine base (equivalent to 564mg of piperidine isothiocyanate).

Appearance: White to slightly yellow freeze-dried powder, dissolved to a colorless to pale yellow clear solution.

4. Usage and dosage

Conventional dosage

Black fever:

Adults and children: 3-4mg/kg (base), once daily, intravenous drip or deep intramuscular injection, course of treatment 15-20 days.

PCP treatment:

4mg/kg (base), once daily, intravenous drip, treatment course 14-21 days.

PCP prevention:

4mg/kg (base), nebulized inhalation once a month or intravenous drip once every two weeks.

Dissolving method

Dissolve in sterile injection water or 5% glucose solution, and dilute to 1-2mg/mL for intravenous infusion for at least 60 minutes.

Leakage handling

Apply immediately, skip if it is close to the next administration time, and do not double the dosage.

5. Dose adjustment

Renal insufficiency:

EGFR10-50mL/min: dose reduction of 25%.

EGFR<10mL/min or dialysis: dose reduction of 50%.

Liver dysfunction: requires close monitoring, there are no clear adjustment guidelines.

6. Medication precautions

Route of administration:

Intravenous infusion should be avoided from light and rapid infusion (which may cause hypotension).

Intramuscular injection may cause local pain or necrosis, requiring deep injection and site rotation.

Monitoring requirements:

Regularly check blood glucose, blood routine, liver and kidney function, and electrocardiogram (risk of QT interval prolongation) before and during treatment.

Diet: No special requirements, but it is necessary to maintain sufficient hydration to prevent nephrotoxicity.

7. Medication for special populations

Pregnant women: Use only in life-threatening situations (animals show embryotoxicity).

Breastfeeding period: Suspend breastfeeding (medication may be secreted into breast milk).

Children: Adjust dosage according to weight, limited safety data.

Elderly people: more prone to hypoglycemia and nephrotoxicity, need to reduce dosage and closely monitor.

8. Adverse reactions

Common (≥ 10%):

Hypoglycemia (30%), nausea (20%), injection site pain (15%), renal dysfunction (12%).

Serious but rare:

Pancreatitis (5%), QT interval prolongation (3%), and anaphylactic shock (<1%).

9. Contraindications

People who are allergic to piperidine or excipients.

Individuals with severe hypoglycemia or electrolyte imbalances that have not been corrected.

Early pregnancy (unless the benefits outweigh the drawbacks).

10. Drug interactions

Renal toxic drugs (such as aminoglycosides): increase the risk of kidney damage and avoid combination therapy.

Medications that prolong the QT interval (such as fluoroquinolones): synergistically increase the risk of arrhythmia and require monitoring of electrocardiogram.

Hypoglycemic drugs: enhance hypoglycemic effect, dosage needs to be adjusted.

11. Storage method

Unopened: Refrigerated at 2-8 ℃, stored away from light, with a shelf life of 36 months.

After reconstitution: Use at room temperature for 24 hours and refrigerate for no more than 48 hours.

12. Manufacturer

Manufacturer: Sanofi Aventis.

Benambaxinformation