Diloxanide%2525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520furoate

# Diloxanide furoate ## Overview Diloxanide furoate is an amoebicide used to treat asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to exert a direct amoebicidal effect on the trophozoite forms of *Entamoeba histolytica*. It is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is primarily active within the intestinal lumen. ## Primary Indications * Asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis (luminal amebiasis) caused by *Entamoeba histolytica*. It is often used as a follow-up therapy after treatment of invasive amebiasis to eradicate intraluminal parasites. ## Adult Dosing * **Asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis:** 500 mg orally three times daily for 10 days. ## Pediatric Dosing Dosing in children is weight-based. Specific dosing may depend on local protocols and available formulations. * **Asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis:** Generally dosed at 5 mg/kg orally three times daily for 10 days. Maximum daily dose should not exceed the adult dose. * Example: A 20 kg child would receive approximately 100 mg orally three times daily. ## Dose Adjustments * **Renal Impairment:** No specific dose adjustments are established. Use with caution. * **Hepatic Impairment:** No specific dose adjustments are established. Use with caution. ## Contraindications * Known hypersensitivity to diloxanide furoate or any component of the formulation. ## Adverse Effects Gastrointestinal upset is the most common adverse effect. * Nausea * Vomiting * Abdominal cramps * Diarrhea * Itching * Rash * Headache * Dizziness ## Key Drug Interactions No significant drug interactions are well-established. ## Monitoring * Clinical response: Monitor for resolution of symptoms (if any) and evidence of parasite eradication. * Adverse effects: Observe for and manage any gastrointestinal or dermatological reactions. ## Clinical Pearls * Diloxanide furoate is effective against the luminal (trophozoite) forms of *Entamoeba histolytica* and is not recommended for the treatment of invasive amebiasis (e.g., amoebic dysentery, amoebic liver abscess). * It is often used in combination with tissue amoebicides for the treatment of invasive amebiasis to ensure eradication of intraluminal parasites after tissue infection has been resolved. * Ensure adequate hydration, especially if diarrhea occurs. *** *Disclaimer: This information is intended for healthcare professionals and does not replace professional medical judgment. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant guidelines for definitive dosing and management decisions.*