Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Diloxanide furoate
## Overview
Diloxanide furoate is an amebicide effective against the luminal (intestinal) amebae *Entamoeba histolytica*. It is primarily used for asymptomatic cyst passers and amebic dysentery.
## Primary Indications
* Asymptomatic amebiasis (intestinal carriage of *Entamoeba histolytica* cysts).
* Treatment of acute amebic dysentery, often in combination with other agents for invasive disease.
## Adult Dosing
* **Asymptomatic amebiasis and amebic dysentery:** 500 mg orally three times daily for 10 days.
* A maximum daily dose is not typically specified, but courses should be completed as prescribed.
## Pediatric Dosing
Dosage is weight-based.
* **Infants and Children under 1 year:** 100 mg orally three times daily for 10 days.
* **Children 1 to 5 years:** 250 mg orally three times daily for 10 days.
* **Children over 5 years:** 500 mg orally three times daily for 10 days.
* Alternatively, a total daily dose of 10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg (divided into three doses) is often recommended, not to exceed the adult dose, for 10 days.
## Dose Adjustments
No dose adjustments are generally required for renal or hepatic impairment as absorption is minimal and the drug is not significantly metabolized.
## Contraindications
* Known hypersensitivity to diloxanide furoate.
## Adverse Effects
Diloxanide furoate is generally well-tolerated.
* **Common:** Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, pruritus, urticaria.
* **Rare:** Headache, dizziness.
## Key Drug Interactions
No significant drug interactions are well-established.
## Monitoring
* Clinical response (resolution of symptoms).
* Microscopic stool examination for *Entamoeba histolytica* cysts or trophozoites may be performed after treatment, though routine follow-up is not always necessary for asymptomatic cases if symptoms resolve.
## Clinical Pearls
* Diloxanide furoate is most effective against the luminal trophozoite and cyst forms of *Entamoeba histolytica* and is not suitable for treating invasive amebiasis (e.g., amebic liver abscess or invasive intestinal disease) as a monotherapy.
* For invasive amebiasis, it should be used in conjunction with agents that have activity against tissue trophozoites, such as metronidazole.
* The furoate ester is hydrolyzed in the intestine to the active form, diloxanide.
***
*Disclaimer: This information is intended as a clinical guide and does not replace a thorough review of the most current prescribing information, local guidelines, or professional judgment. Always verify current dosing, indications, contraindications, and safety information with the approved product labeling or a reliable drug information resource before prescribing.*
