The emerging role of amiodarone and dronedarone in Chagas disease

Nat Rev Cardiol. 2012 Oct;9(10):605-9. doi: 10.1038/nrcardio.2012.108. Epub 2012 Aug 7.

Abstract

Chagas disease has emerged as an important health problem in the Americas and, with globalization, in other parts of the world. Drug therapy for this parasitic infection has remained largely ineffective, especially in chronic stages of the disease. However, developments in experimental therapy might signal an important advance for the management of patients with Chagas disease. Herein, we review studies on the potential use of the benzofuran derivatives amiodarone and dronedarone in patients with Chagas disease. These agents have a dual role, not only as primary antiarrhythmic drugs, but also as antiparasitic agents. We believe that this 'kill two birds with one stone' approach represents a new tactic for the treatment of Chagas disease using currently approved drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amiodarone / therapeutic use*
  • Chagas Cardiomyopathy / drug therapy*
  • Chagas Cardiomyopathy / pathology
  • Humans
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Amiodarone