Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Diloxanide furoate
## Overview
Diloxanide furoate is an amebicide used to treat intestinal amebiasis (infection by *Entamoeba histolytica*). It is effective against the luminal trophozoites and cysts of *Entamoeba histolytica* but has limited activity against invasive intestinal or extraintestinal amebiasis.
## Primary Indications
* Asymptomatic intestinal amebiasis (luminal amebiasis).
* Treatment of *Entamoeba histolytica* cysts in stool after treatment for invasive amebiasis.
## Adult Dosing
* 500 mg orally three times daily for 10 days.
## Pediatric Dosing
Dosing is typically based on weight.
* 1.5 mL/kg of a 100 mg/5 mL suspension orally three times daily for 10 days, not to exceed the adult dose.
* Alternatively, 5 mg/kg orally three times daily for 10 days, not to exceed the adult dose.
## Dose Adjustments
No dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment.
## Contraindications
* Known hypersensitivity to diloxanide furoate.
## Adverse Effects
* Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea.
* Other: Headache, dizziness, pruritus, urticaria.
## Key Drug Interactions
No significant drug interactions are well-established.
## Monitoring
* Symptomatic improvement.
* Stool examination for *E. histolytica* cysts may be considered after treatment to confirm eradication of luminal parasites, especially in high-risk individuals or if symptoms persist.
## Clinical Pearls
* Diloxanide furoate is generally used for asymptomatic carriers of *E. histolytica* cysts or as a second-line agent for luminal amebiasis.
* It is often used in combination with tissue amebicides (e.g., metronidazole) for invasive amebiasis to eradicate residual luminal parasites.
* It is not effective for extraintestinal amebiasis.
***
***Disclaimer:** This information is intended for clinical professionals. Always verify current prescribing information with the manufacturer's package insert and consult local guidelines and institutional protocols. Dosing may vary based on individual patient factors and disease severity.*
