About miltefosine
Antiprotozoal medicine
Used for
- Treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar)
- Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis
- Treatment of mucosal leishmaniasis
Usual adult dose
Usually 50 mg by mouth three times daily for 28 days; dosing depends on body weight and infection.
Usual dose in children
Children weighing at least 30 kg: 50 mg twice daily for 28 days. Lower weights require weight-based dosing.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Headache or dizziness
- Raised liver or kidney test results
Important warnings
- Can cause serious birth defects; pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for five months afterward.
- A pregnancy test is required before treatment; effective contraception is needed during treatment and for five months afterward.
- May affect fertility; effects may persist after treatment.
- Liver and kidney function should be monitored during treatment.
Pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy; it can cause fetal harm. Avoid pregnancy during treatment and for five months afterward.
Breastfeeding
Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for five months after the final dose.
Interactions
- May increase kidney injury risk with medicines harmful to the kidneys.
- May increase liver injury risk with medicines harmful to the liver.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.