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# Diloxanide Furoate
## Overview
Diloxanide furoate is an amebicide used to treat intestinal amebiasis. It is generally considered effective against the luminal (intestinal) stages of *Entamoeba histolytica* infection.
## Primary Indications
* Asymptomatic cyst passers with *Entamoeba histolytica*.
* Intestinal amebiasis.
* Often used as a luminal amebicide to eradicate residual cysts after treatment of invasive amebiasis with a tissue amebicide.
## Adult Dosing
* **Luminal Amebiasis:** 500 mg orally three times daily for 10 days.
* Maximum daily dose: 1500 mg.
## Pediatric Dosing
Dosing varies by age and weight and is often weight-based. Specific pediatric dosing should be confirmed with local guidelines or product labeling. A common regimen for children over 1 year of age is 5 mg/kg orally three times daily for 10 days, not to exceed the adult dose.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment, as systemic absorption is minimal.
## Contraindications
* Known hypersensitivity to diloxanide furoate or any component of the formulation.
## Adverse Effects
* Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea.
* Other: Headache, dizziness, pruritus, urticaria.
## Key Drug Interactions
No significant drug interactions are commonly reported.
## Monitoring
* Clinical improvement of symptoms.
* Resolution of amebic cysts in stool may be considered in some cases, though it is not always a reliable indicator of cure.
## Clinical Pearls
* Diloxanide furoate is primarily active against the luminal forms of *Entamoeba histolytica*. It is not effective for extraintestinal amebiasis.
* It is often used in combination with a tissue amebicide (like metronidazole or tinidazole) for invasive amebiasis to ensure eradication of luminal cysts.
* Compliance with the full course of therapy is important for efficacy.
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**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines for complete details and to verify applicability to your specific patient population and clinical setting. Dosage and indications may vary.
