Aspects of the biological activity of the schistosomicide oxamniquine

Oxamniquine, 6-hydroxymethyl-2-N-isopropylaminomethyl-7-nitro-1,2,3,4- tetrahydroquinoline, is a potent schistosomicide used clinically in the treatment of infections due to Schistosoma mansoni. Schistosomiasis is the second most important tropical disease after malaria. Although oxamniquine is relatively well tolerated, severe central nervous system (CNS) effects characterized by convulsions, have been reported in a small percentage of the population treated with this drug. [Continues.]