Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Ornidyl, Vaniqa
- Antiprotozoal Agents
- Topical Skin Products
Description
Antiprotozoal agent
Used topically to reduce unwanted facial hair in women and parenterally to treat African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
In US only available as topical cream; IV only available from the WHO/CDC
Indications
Indicated for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in females, including hirsutism of the face.
For the treatment of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense with CNS involvement.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to eflornithine or any ingredient in the formulation
Adverse Effects
- Anemia (55%)
- Leukopenia (37%)
- Thrombocytopenia (14%)
- Seizures (may be due to the disease) (8%)
- Dizziness
- Alopecia
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Eosinophilia
- Hearing impairment
Warnings
Only available from WHO; supply very limited
Discontinue if sensitivity occurs
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Maximum Dosage
Adults
400 mg/kg/day IV.
Elderly
400 mg/kg/day IV.
Adolescents
500 mg/kg/day IV.
Children
500 mg/kg/day IV.
How supplied
Eflornithine hydrochloride
injectable solution
- 200mg/mL
cream
- 13.9%
