Comparison of four nitroimidazole compounds for treatment of symptomatic amoebiasis in Kenya
Chunge, C.N.; Estambale, B.B.; Pamba, H.O.; Chitayi, P.M.; Munanga, P.N.; Kang'ethe, S.
East African Medical Journal 66(11): 724-727
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-835X PMID: 2606014 Document Number: 341557
Four antiamoebic drugs currently used in many Kenyan hospitals and health centres were compared for their efficacy on symptomatic luminal amoebiasis in Kiambu, Kilifi, and Machakos hospitals during this study. The drugs were; the brand metronidazole (FlagylR, May and Baker, Kenya Ltd.), the generic metronidazole (MetrozolR, Cosmos Ltd., Nairobi, Kenya), the brand tinidazole (FasigynR, Pfizer Laboratories Ltd.) and the generic tinidazole (TynazoleR Laboratory and Allied Equipments, Kenya Ltd). Clinical cure was achieved in all individuals receiving any of the four drugs. Parasitological cure was better for those receiving either Flagyl or Fasignyn, than those receiving the generic counterparts. Both parasitological and clinical cures were achieved in about 50% of all those who received either Flagyl or Fasigyn. It appears that Flagyl and Fasigyn are not as efficacious as previously reported but are still much better than their generic counterparts for the treatment of symptomatic Entamoeba histolytica infections.