As dosage regimens for treating leishmaniasis have evolved, the daily dose of antimony and the duration of therapy have been progressively increased to combat unresponsiveness to therapy. In the 1980s, the use of 20 mg/kg/day (instead of 10 mg/kg/day) of antimony was recommended, but only to a maximum daily dose of 850 mg. Recent research has suggested on the basis of recent efficacy and toxicity data that this 850-mg restriction should be removed.
As treatment strategies for leishmaniasis have improved, the daily dose of antimony has been increased from 10 mg/kg/day to 20 mg/kg/day. In the 1980s, a maximum daily dose of 850 mg was suggested for 20 mg/kg/day antimony use but only up to this limit. Recent studies propose that this restriction on 850-mg dosing should be lifted based on new efficacy and toxicity data.