Melarsoprol

Melarsoprol (INN) is a medicinal drug used in the treatment of Human African trypanosomiasis. It is also sold under the trade names “Mel B” and “Melarsen Oxide-BAL.”

Melarsoprol is also used in the treatment of Chagas disease.

Side effects

Being a toxic organic compound of arsenic, Melarsoprol is a highly dangerous treatment which is only administered by injection under the supervision of a physician.

It is known to cause a range of side effects including convulsions, fever, loss of consciousness, rashes, bloody stools, nausea, and vomiting. It is fatal in and of itself in a significant fraction of cases.

Administration

As it melts plastic, melarsoprol must be administered in glass syringes and special I.V. tubes.

Alternatives

Eflornithine is a more modern and far less dangerous treatment for sleeping sickness, but is expensive, not widely available on the market, and most of its supply comes from donations from its manufacturer.

References