Diloxanide%2520furoate

# Diloxanide furoate ## Overview Diloxanide furoate is a luminal amebicide used to eradicate *Entamoeba histolytica* cysts from the colon. It is not effective against invasive (tissue) amebiasis. ## Primary Indications - Treatment of asymptomatic intestinal amebiasis (cyst passage) - Adjunctive therapy after treatment of invasive amebic colitis or liver abscess (to clear luminal cysts) ## Adult Dosing - **500 mg orally three times daily for 10 days** - Maximum daily dose: 1.5 g - Exact dosing may follow local protocols; in some countries a 10‑day course is standard. ## Pediatric Dosing - **Approved for children ≥2 years:** 20 mg/kg/day orally in three divided doses for 10 days - Maximum daily dose: 1.5 g - For children <2 years: safety not established; use only if clearly needed per local guidelines. ## Dose Adjustments - **Hepatic impairment:** Limited data; no specific adjustment recommended, but use with caution in severe liver disease. - **Renal impairment:** No dose adjustment required. - **Geriatric:** Use standard adult dosing; monitor for adverse effects. ## Contraindications - Known hypersensitivity to diloxanide or any component - Coexisting invasive amebiasis (hepatitis, abscess, colitis) – must be treated first with a tissue amebicide (e.g., metronidazole) - Children <2 years (relative; lack of safety data) ## Adverse Effects - **Common:** Flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting - **Infrequent:** Pruritus, rash, urticaria - **Rare:** Hepatic enzyme elevation, headache, vertigo ## Key Drug Interactions - **No significant pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions established.** - Theoretic: may potentiate oral anticoagulants; monitor INR if co‑administering warfarin. ## Monitoring - No routine monitoring required for short courses. - In prolonged therapy or high doses, monitor LFTs and assess for GI intolerance. ## Clinical Pearls - Not effective against extra‑intestinal *E. histolytica* – always treat invasive disease first. - Administer with meals to reduce GI upset. - For asymptomatic cyst passers, it is first‑line in many regions; in the US, availability may be via specialty pharmacy. - Course duration is important – incomplete treatment increases relapse risk. **Disclaimer:** This information is an educational summary intended for healthcare professionals. Always verify current prescribing information from a reliable drug reference or local formulary before making clinical decisions.