What is Lampit?
Lampit is an antibiotic. Antiprotozoal medications kill or stop the growth of protozoan organisms.Lampit is an anti-parasitic medicine prescribed to treat Chagas, a disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Most Chagas cases occur in Mexico, Central America, and South America.Lampit can be used by children as young as birth up to the age of 17. Before taking this medication, a child must weigh at least 5.5 pounds (2 kilogrammes).Lampit may not be effective or safe for children who weigh less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs).
Warnings
Avoid drinking alcohol when taking Lampit. Alcohol can increase the frequency and severity of side effects when taking nifurtimox.
Before you take this drug
Lampit should not be used if your child is allergic to Nifurtimox.
Tell your doctor if your child has had:
- A brain injury;
- A seizure;
- Mental illness or psychosis
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if the child has kidney disease)
- Liver disease
- Porphyria
Nifurtimox may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses this medicine. Both sexually active males and females should use birth control.
- You may need a pregnancy test if you are female. Use birth control to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months following your last dose.
- Use effective birth control when your partner can get pregnant if you're male. Continue to use birth control at least three months after the last dose. You may have a harder time getting a woman to fall pregnant while using this medication.
- If you or your partner are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor about any symptoms you observe in the baby, such as fussiness or decreased appetite.
Similar/related drugs
pentamidine, nifurtimox, nebupent, and benznidazole
How to take Lampit?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose for your child.Lampit should be taken three times per day along with food for 60 days. Be certain to follow your doctor's directions regarding dosage.You can either swallow each tablet whole or cut it in half. Split a tablet with your fingertip along the scoring line. Splitting a Lampit tablet with a tablet-cutting device is not recommended.If your child is unable to swallow the tablet in its entirety, you can place it in 1/2 teaspoon of water. Allow the tablet (in approximately 30 seconds) to dissolve completely. The mixture can be consumed immediately with food.Nifurtimox dosages are determined by weight and can change if a child gains or loses weight. Weight should be checked by the doctor every two weeks for the child taking Lampit.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.Keep the tablet in its original container along with the packet of moisture-absorbing preserver.
Details on dosage
The usual paediatric dose for trypanosomiasis is:
BIRTH (TERM NEONATATE) TO LESS THE 18 YEARS OF AGE:
Calculate the total daily dose based on body weight:
Weight: 2.5 kg to less than 40kg: 10–20 mg/kg/day, divided into 3 doses.
Weight: at least 40 kg 8–10 mg/kg/day in divided doses, 3 times daily
Individual Dosages Based on Body Weight
Weight: 2.5 to 4.5kg; 15 mg 3 times per day.
Weight: 4.6 kg to less than 9kg: 30 mg 3 times daily
Weight: 9 kg to less than 13kg: 45 mg 3 times daily orally
Weight: 13 kg to 18 kg or less: 60 mg 3 times daily.
Weight: 18 kg to less than 22kg: 75 mg 3 times daily.
Weight: 22 kg to less than 27kg: 90 mg 3 times daily.
Weight 27–35 kg: Orally take 120 mg 3 times per day.
Weight: 35 kg to less than 42 kg Orally, take 180 mg three times per day.
Weight 41–51 kg: Orally take 120 mg 3 times per day.
Weight 51–71 kg: Orally take 180 mg 3 times per day.
Weight 71–91 kg: Orally take 240mg 3 times per day.
Weight at least 91kg: 300 mg 3 times per day.
Duration of therapy: 60 days
Comments:
During treatment, patients may lose appetite or experience nausea or vomiting, which can cause weight loss. Body weight should be measured every 14 days. According to your results, adjust the dosage accordingly.Use: To treat Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma cruzi).
What happens if I miss the dose?
If your child is due to receive their next dose in less than three hours, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poison ingestion and require emergency assistance or seek immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.This medicine can cause muscle weakness, tremors, or affect your child's reaction. You should not let your child drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you are sure of the effects.
Side effects of Lampit
If your child experiences any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, feeling lightheaded, difficulty breathing, swelling on the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling in the throat, face, lips, and/or tongue,
If your child is suffering from:
- Decreased appetite and loss of weight
- If you have new or worsening signs of an existing condition (such as a brain injury or seizure, behavioural changes, or mental health issues),
- Porphyria symptoms that worsen (dark urine or severe stomach pain; numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, or legs; mental changes); skin sensitivity to sunlight
Side effects of lampit include:
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
- Loss of appetite
- Fever;
- Rash;
- Headache.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your child's doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may interact with nifurtimox. Inform your doctor of all the medicines your child is taking, including any new ones.
