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Toxicity of antimony and its compounds
Adverse Drug Reactions and Acute Poisoning Reviews
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Trivalent antimony compounds are more toxic than pentavalent ones, causing severe adverse effects including cardiotoxicity and organ damage. Newer formulations like liposome-encapsulated antimony reduce toxicity while maintaining efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Antimony compounds have a long history in treating diseases like leishmaniasis.
- Trivalent antimony compounds, such as antimony potassium tartrate (APT), have been widely used but are associated with significant toxicity.
Observation:
- Trivalent antimony compounds exhibit greater toxicity than pentavalent forms, leading to severe local reactions like tissue necrosis and systemic effects.
- Adverse effects include gastrointestinal distress, cardiotoxicity, hepatic and renal damage, and potential reproductive and mutagenic risks.
- Pentavalent antimony preparations and diamidines have largely replaced older trivalent forms for leishmaniasis treatment.
Findings:
- Investigations into reducing antimony toxicity involve combining it with chelating agents or using liposome encapsulation.
- These novel formulations demonstrate reduced adverse effects without compromising therapeutic efficacy.
- Historical beliefs regarding antimony's therapeutic action through adverse effects are not supported by evidence.
Implications:
- Development of safer antimony-based therapies is crucial for effective treatment of parasitic diseases.
- Liposomal delivery systems offer a promising approach to mitigate antimony's toxicity profile.
- Further research into safer antimony derivatives and drug delivery systems is warranted.