Clinical pharmacokinetics of suramin in patients with onchocerciasis.

OBJECTIVE

Ten male patients with onchocerciasis received six weekly infusions of suramin according to the WHO-recommended regimen.

RESULTS

In no case did the plasma concentration of suramin exceed 300 mg x l(-1), and serious toxicity was not observed. The apparent volume of distribution (median 20.6 l) was comparable to that reported for patients with prostatic carcinoma. Elimination from patients with onchocerciasis was relatively slow (median plasma clearance 6.2 ml x h(-1), median terminal elimination half-life 91.8 days).

CONCLUSION

Microfilariae were eliminated in eight out of ten patients. Spontaneous nodule regression was noted in four patients.