Characterization of adverse reactions to benznidazole in patients with chagas disease in the Federal District, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Benznidazole is used for treating Chagas disease (CD). This cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of benznidazole at a public hospital in Brazil’s Federal District. Methods: Medical records were analyzed and ADRs were categorized by type, intensity, seriousness, and causality. Results: Of the 62 patients who started benznidazole treatment for CD, 41 (66%) presented with 105 ADRs; 23 (37%) discontinued the treatment. Most reactions were classified as probable (81%), severe (63%), serious (67%), and dose-dependent (56%). Conclusions: The high incidence of ADRs because of treatment withdrawal revealed the need for safer alternatives for CD treatment.