Niridazole

Niridazole is a schistosomicide.^[1] It is used to treat schistosomiasis, the helmintic disease caused by certain flatworms (trematodes) from the genus Schistosoma (formerly Bilharzia). It is also known by its trade name Ambilhar. It is usually given as tablets.

Niridazole

Clinical data
MedlinePlus	a682128
ATC code	P02BX02 (WHO)
Identifiers
IUPAC name 1-(5-Nitro-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)imidazolidin-2-one
CAS Number	61-57-4 Y
PubChem CID	6093
ChemSpider	5868 N
UNII	N116U8Y5QQ
KEGG	D05170 Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID6045244
ECHA InfoCard	100.000.466
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C6H6N4O3S
Molar mass	214.20 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
SMILES C1CN(C(=O)N1)C2=NC=C(S2)[N+](=O)[O-]
InChI InChI=1S/C6H6N4O3S/c11-5-7-1-2-9(5)6-8-3-4(14-6)10(12)13/h3H,1-2H2,(H,7,11) N Key:RDXLYGJSWZYTFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N N
NY (what is this?)  (verify)

Niridazole has central nervous system toxicity and can cause dangerous side effects, such as hallucinations.^[2] Also, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. However, it is one of the most effective schistosomicide drugs.^[3]

It has recently also been investigated for use in the treatment of periodontitis.^[4][5]

Mechanism of action

Niridazole is rapidly concentrated in the parasite and inhibits oogenesis and spermatogenesis. The compound also inhibits the phosphofructokinase enzyme, leading to glycogen depletion and hepatic shift.^{[citation needed]}