Eflornithine
-Eflornithin_Structural_Formulae_V.1.svg4741.png")
![](/Images/godic/202501/08/Eflornithine-3D-vdW4741.png")
![Figure 1(A) 3D structure of L-Ornithine
(B) 3D structure of Eflornithine. This molecule is similar to the structure of L-Ornithine, but its alpha-difluoromethyl group allows interaction with Cys-360 in the active site](/Images/godic/202501/08/lossless-page1-220px-Ornithine_and_Eflornithine_Comparison_Structures.tiff4741.png")
![Eflornithine ODC Reaction Mechansim](/Images/godic/202501/08/Eflornithine_ODC_Reaction_Mechansim4741.png")
Eflornithine (α-difluoromethylornithine or DFMO) is a drug found to be effective in the treatment of facial hirsutism (excessive hair growth) as well as in African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Eflornithine hydrochloride cream for topical application is meant for women affected by facial hirsutism. Eflornithine for injection against sleeping sickness is manufactured by Sanofi Aventis and sold under the brand name Ornidyl in the USA. Both are prescription drugs.