Sodium stibogluconate

Pentavalent antimonials, such as sodium stibogluconate, are the conventional therapy used in the treatment of leishmaniasis. Sodium stibogluconate is not eff ective in vitro. Therefore, it has been proposed that reduction to the trivalent antimonial compound is essential for activity. The exact mechanism of action has not been determined. Evidence for inhibition of glycolysis in the parasite at the phosphofructokinase reaction has been found or effects on nucleic acid metabolism. also thought. Because it is not absorbed on oral administration, sodium stibogluconate must be administered parenterally, and it is distributed in the extravascular compartment. Metabolism is minimal, and the drug is excreted in urine