Generic
Diloxanide Furoate
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Diloxanide Furoate is a luminal amoebicide used for the treatment of intestinal amoebiasis and worm infections.
Description
Diloxanide Furoate is a luminal amoebicide which is hydrolysed in the gut, thus releasing the free diloxanide which acts as an amoebicide. It is given alone in asymptomatic cyst passers. For patients with active amoebic infections, it can be administered with a 5-nitroimidazole such as metronidazole or tinidazole.
Indications
- Intestinal amoebiasis
- Worm infections
Therapeutic class
Amoebicides
Pharmacological class
Luminal Amoebicide
Pharmacology
Diloxanide Furoate is a luminal amoebicide which is hydrolysed in the gut, thus releasing the free diloxanide which acts as an amoebicide.
Mechanism of action
Diloxanide Furoate is hydrolysed in the gut to release active diloxanide which destroys amoebas.
Dosage
Adult: 500 mg three times daily for 10 days. May repeat course if needed.
Child (>25 kg): 20 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses for 10 days.
Administration
May be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Diloxanide Furoate, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common: Nausea, headache, abdominal pain, hair loss, vomiting, abnormal liver function tests, fever, dizziness, vertigo, flatulence, itching, urticaria.
Precautions & warnings
May affect driving ability (drowsiness, dizziness). Avoid during pregnancy and lactation. Monitor blood counts and liver function.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity.
Drug interactions
No known drug interactions.
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Diloxanide Furoate. Please consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Diloxanide Furoate may be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby.
Pregnancy Category: N/A — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Information regarding the use during breastfeeding is not available.
Pediatric use
Children >25 kg: 20 mg/kg/day.
Geriatric use
No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Limited information available on use in kidney or liver disease.
Overdose effects
No adequate information on overdose is available.
Storage conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature in a dry place.
Chemical structure
Diloxanide Furoate