Hycanthone

General information

Hycanthone is a derivative of lucanthone, but has less gastrointestinal and nervous system toxicity. It is effective against both Schistosoma hematobium and Schistosoma mansoni and is given as a single intramuscular injection in doses of 1.0–2.5 mg/kg [ , ]. However, it has largely been superseded in the treatment of schistosomiasis by more recent, less toxic compounds. The most common adverse reactions to hycanthone, which occur in up to half of all patients treated with higher-dose regimens, is nausea and vomiting [ ], often associated with abdominal colic and diarrhea. There can be muscle pain, and electrocardiographic changes can occur [ ].

Organs and systems