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Eflornithine

    Brands

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; Ornidyl, Vaniqa

    • Antiprotozoal Agents
    • Topical Skin Products

    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

    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.

    Hypersensitivity to eflornithine or any ingredient in the formulation

    • Anemia (55%)
    • Leukopenia (37%)
    • Thrombocytopenia (14%)
    • Seizures (may be due to the disease) (8%)
    • Dizziness
    • Alopecia
    • Vomiting, diarrhea
    • Eosinophilia
    • Hearing impairment

    Only available from WHO; supply very limited

    Discontinue if sensitivity occurs

    Pregnancy Category: C

    Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution

    Adults

    400 mg/kg/day IV.

    Elderly

    400 mg/kg/day IV.

    Adolescents

    500 mg/kg/day IV.

    Children

    500 mg/kg/day IV.

    Eflornithine hydrochloride

    injectable solution

    • 200mg/mL

    cream

    • 13.9%