Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Diloxanide Furoate
## Overview
Diloxanide furoate is a luminal amebicide that acts by killing *Entamoeba histolytica* trophozoites in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. It is poorly absorbed systemically and is not effective against extraintestinal (e.g., hepatic) amebiasis.
## Primary Indications
* Treatment of asymptomatic intestinal *Entamoeba histolytica* (cyst passers).
* Follow-up therapy for patients who have completed treatment for invasive or symptomatic amebiasis (to eradicate remaining luminal cysts).
## Adult Dosing
* **Standard dose:** 500 mg orally three times daily for 10 consecutive days.
## Pediatric Dosing
* **Standard dose:** 20 mg/kg/day orally, divided into three doses, for 10 consecutive days.
* *Note:* Maximum daily dose should not exceed 1500 mg/day.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Renal/Hepatic Impairment:** No formal dosage adjustments are established; however, use caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment as the drug is metabolized by the liver.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to diloxanide furoate or its components.
## Adverse Effects
* **Common:** Flatulence (frequent), nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and pruritus/urticaria.
* **Rare:** Diplopia, dizziness, and mild elevations in liver enzymes.
## Key Drug Interactions
* Minimal systemic absorption limits significant drug-drug interactions. Monitor for additive GI effects if combined with other agents that cause gastrointestinal distress.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms.
* If symptoms persist post-treatment, re-evaluate for treatment failure or persistent infection.
* Stool microscopy should be repeated several weeks after treatment to confirm clearance of cysts.
## Clinical Pearls
* **Lumen-only focus:** Diloxanide furoate is strictly a luminal amebicide. It must be paired with a systemic tissue amebicide (e.g., metronidazole or tinidazole) if treating active/symptomatic invasive amebic colitis or liver abscess.
* **Adherence:** Ensure the full 10-day course is completed.
* **Availability:** In many regions (including the U.S.), this drug may be considered an investigational or "orphan" drug, often requiring procurement through specialized travel medicine clinics or the CDC Drug Service.
***
**Educational Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only. Clinical practice guidelines and local drug availability vary. Always verify current prescribing information, institutional protocols, and patient-specific contraindications via official references (e.g., CDC Yellow Book, local formulary) before prescribing or administering medication.
