The SbIII preparations available for clinical use were compared in vitro for their concentration/time/effect curves on Trypanosoma venezuelense (T. evansi), measuring decrease of motility and of parasite numbers. With these two criteria leading to similar relative results, the drugs are classified into a rapidly acting group, led by sodium emetic (AST), followed by its dimethylcysteine chelate (NAP) and Anthiomaline, and a less and more slowly acting one: Triostam, Astiban and Stibophen. The relative activity of these drugs in vitro is parallel to that encountered against Schistosoma mansoni, attributed to a similar pattern of intracellular absorption. In vivo effectiveness may depend on bio-availability of Sb in the host and the direct action on the parasite, reflected by its in vitro activity. The interplay of these two factors leads to a different in vitro/in vivo activity relationship of the antimonials even in the same host (mouse) and to its variation in other host species.