Diminazene
Diminazene aceturate is an aromatic diamidine derivative primarily used as an antiprotozoal agent. It is highly effective against **Babesia** and **Trypanosoma** species. Although not FDA-approved in the USA, it is a global staple for tick-borne and tsetse-fly-transmitted diseases in livestock and companion animals. **Clinical Pearls:** * It is often used as a rescue therapy for *Babesia gibsoni* infections in dogs when standard azithromycin/atovaquone protocols fail, though it may only suppress rather than clear the parasitemia. * The drug is slowly metabolized, allowing for suppression of clinical signs or prophylaxis for several weeks after a single dose. * It can be legally imported into the USA for compassionate use in animals under specific FDA guidelines.
Mecanismo: Diminazene binds to the AT-rich regions of the kinetoplast DNA in protozoa, interfering with **DNA synthesis** and replication. It is also thought to inhibit **aerobic glycolysis**, depriving the parasite of essential energy. **Mechanism Pathway:** Drug enters protozoan → Binds kinetoplast DNA & inhibits aerobic glycolysis → Halts parasite replication → Allows host immune system to clear or suppress the infection.
Dosificación por especie
- Treatment of susceptible protozoal (Trypanosomes, Babesia) infections (West Africa) · 3.5 mg/kg (up to 8 mg/kg depending on susceptibility) · IM · one time · Do not exceed 4 grams total dose per animal.
- Treatment of susceptible protozoal (Trypanosomes, Babesia) infections (West Africa) · 3.5 mg/kg (up to 8 mg/kg depending on susceptibility) · IM · one time · Do not exceed 4 grams total dose per animal.
- Treatment of cytauxzoonosis · 3-5 mg/kg · IM · one time · Tick control remains the best means of preventing disease as treatment attempts meet with little success.
- Treatment of cytauxzoonosis · 2 mg/kg · IM · repeat in one week
- Treatment of susceptible protozoal (Trypanosomes, Babesia) infections (West Africa) · 3.5 mg/kg (up to 8 mg/kg depending on susceptibility) · IM · one time · Do not exceed 4 grams total dose per animal.
- Treatment of susceptible protozoal (Trypanosomes, Babesia) infections (West Africa) · 3.5 mg/kg (up to 8 mg/kg depending on susceptibility) · IM · one time · Do not exceed 4 grams total dose per animal.
Vías de administración
Contraindicaciones
- Camelids (highly susceptible to toxic effects)
Efectos adversos
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain and swelling at the injection site
- Transient decreases in blood pressure
- Ataxia (rare, <0.1%)
- Seizures (rare, <0.1%)
- Death (rare, <0.1%)
Monitorización
- Surveillance for potential adverse effects (especially neurological signs)
- Clinical efficacy
- Serial CBCs
- BUN and liver enzymes (in severe cases)
- Serum potassium (hypokalemia in severe cases)
- PCR test at 60 and 90 days post-therapy to determine 'clearing' of Babesia gibsoni
Sobredosis
Diminazene appears most toxic in dogs and camels. * **Camels**: Dosages greater than 7 mg/kg can be very toxic. * **Dogs**: Dosages above 10 mg/kg IM can cause severe gastrointestinal, respiratory, nervous system, or musculoskeletal effects.
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