Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Diloxanide furoate
## Overview
Diloxanide furoate is a luminal amebicide that acts directly on *Entamoeba histolytica* in the intestinal lumen. It is poorly absorbed systemically and is primarily indicated for eradicating asymptomatic cyst carriers.
## Primary Indications
* Treatment of asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis (cyst passers).
* Follow-up therapy for invasive amoebiasis (after treatment with a tissue amebicide like metronidazole or tinidazole) to clear luminal cysts.
## Adult Dosing
* 500 mg orally three times daily for 10 days.
## Pediatric Dosing
* 20 mg/kg/day orally, divided into three doses, for 10 days.
* Maximum daily dose: 1500 mg.
## Dose Adjustments
* **Renal/Hepatic Impairment:** No formal dosage adjustments provided by the manufacturer due to minimal systemic absorption; however, exercise caution in severe hepatic impairment.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to diloxanide furoate.
## Adverse Effects
* **Common:** Flatulence, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, pruritus, and urticaria.
* **Less Common:** Diplopia, dizziness, and mild proteinuria.
## Key Drug Interactions
* Minimal systemic absorption limits significant systemic drug-drug interactions.
* Consult a clinical pharmacist or interaction database if co-administering with other medications that affect GI motility.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms.
* Stool microscopy should be repeated 2–4 weeks after completion of therapy to confirm clearance of *E. histolytica* cysts.
## Clinical Pearls
* **Not for invasive disease:** Diloxanide is ineffective against extra-intestinal amoebiasis (e.g., liver abscess). It must be used in conjunction with a systemic tissue amebicide if invasive disease is present.
* **Administration:** Administer with or without food.
* **Availability:** Availability is restricted in many regions (including the U.S., where it may be obtained via the CDC Drug Service for select cases). Always consult local protocols or institutional infectious disease guidelines.
***
**Educational Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only. Dosing, indications, and safety profiles are subject to change. Always verify current prescribing information, institutional protocols, and patient-specific factors before clinical use.
