Eflornithine

Definition

Eflornithine is a drug used to treat certain parasitic infections, notably African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). It inhibits ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme crucial for parasite proliferation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eflornithine is effective against Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the parasite responsible for West African sleeping sickness.
2. It can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it suitable for treating late-stage infections that involve the central nervous system.
3. The drug is often administered intravenously in hospital settings due to its complex dosing regimen.
4. Eflornithine's mechanism of action involves inhibiting polyamine synthesis, which is essential for cell division and growth in parasites.
5. Despite its efficacy, eflornithine can cause side effects such as anemia, leukopenia, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Review Questions

• What type of pathogen does eflornithine primarily target?
• How does eflornithine's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier benefit its use in treating nervous system infections?
• What is the main enzyme inhibited by eflornithine?

Related terms

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: A parasitic protozoan species causing West African sleeping sickness.

Ornithine decarboxylase: An enzyme involved in polyamine synthesis essential for cell growth and differentiation.

Polyamine synthesis: A biological process critical for cell division and growth that is targeted by eflornithine.