Introduction
Diloxanide Furoate is an anti-amoebic agent used primarily for the treatment of asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis. It is an effective luminal amoebicide, working to eliminate the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which can cause amoebic dysentery. It is typically used in combination with other medications for symptomatic infections but can be administered alone for asymptomatic carriers.
Uses
Diloxanide Furoate is used to treat:
- Asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis (asymptomatic carriers of Entamoeba histolytica)
- May also be used in combination therapy for symptomatic amoebiasis (with other medications like metronidazole)
| Brand Name | Diloxanide Furoate |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Weight | |
| Generic | Diloxanide Furoate |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available in | English বাংলা |
Mechanism of Action
Diloxanide Furoate works as a luminal amoebicide by converting into its active form, diloxanide, in the gut. Diloxanide directly acts on the amoebae within the intestines, eliminating the parasites and preventing the formation of cysts. It is effective against the luminal form of Entamoeba histolytica but has no action against tissue-invading forms.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Diloxanide Furoate begins to act within a few days of administration, with the elimination of amoebic cysts usually observed within 5 to 10 days of treatment. Full clearance may vary depending on the severity of the infection and patient response.
Absorption
About 90% of Diloxanide Furoate is absorbed after oral administration. It is rapidly hydrolyzed in the gut to release the active drug, diloxanide.
Route of Elimination
After absorption, the drug is mainly metabolized in the liver, with the metabolites and some unchanged drug excreted through urine. A small amount of the drug is also eliminated in the feces.
Dosage
Adult: The recommended dose is 500 mg 3 times/day for 10 days. May repeat course if needed.Child: >25 kg: 20 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses for 10 days, repeated if necessary.
The usual dose for adults is 500 mg of Diloxanide Furoate , taken orally three times daily for 10 days. For children, the dose is typically weight-based, around 20 mg/kg/day, divided into three doses for 10 days. Dosing adjustments may be required for patients with specific conditions or comorbidities.
Administration
Diloxanide Furoate is taken orally, usually with or after meals to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. It is often given as part of a combination therapy with other drugs like metronidazole for more severe or symptomatic amoebiasis.
Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Flatulence (gas)
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
Toxicity
Diloxanide Furoate is generally well tolerated at therapeutic doses. However, overdose may result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Severe toxicity is rare.
Precautions
Use Diloxanide Furoate with caution in patients with:
- Liver impairment (due to hepatic metabolism)
- Pregnancy (due to insufficient safety data)
- Gastrointestinal disorders
Interaction
Diloxanide Furoate may interact with:
- Metronidazole: Often used in combination with Diloxanide Furoate for complete treatment of amoebiasis.
- Other luminal agents: Concurrent use of other amoebicides like iodoquinol should be carefully monitored.
Disease Interaction
Patients with liver disease or gastrointestinal disorders should use Diloxanide Furoate cautiously. Dose adjustment may be necessary in these cases to prevent potential complications.
Drug Interaction
There are limited known significant drug interactions with Diloxanide Furoate . However, it is often co-prescribed with other amoebicidal agents like metronidazole or tinidazole for optimal therapeutic effect.
Food Interactions
No significant food interactions have been reported with Diloxanide Furoate . It is typically administered with food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
Pregnancy Use
There is limited data on the use of Diloxanide Furoate during pregnancy. Therefore, it should be avoided in pregnant women unless clearly needed and prescribed by a physician after evaluating the potential risks and benefits.
Lactation Use
It is not known if Diloxanide Furoate is excreted in human breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering the drug to nursing mothers, and alternatives should be considered if possible.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In the case of overdose, symptomatic treatment is advised, as there is no specific antidote for Diloxanide Furoate toxicity.
Contraindication
Contraindications include:
- Known hypersensitivity to Diloxanide Furoate or any of its components
- Pregnancy (unless absolutely necessary)
- Severe liver or renal impairment without appropriate monitoring
Use Direction
Diloxanide Furoate should be taken orally, typically in three divided doses throughout the day. The course of treatment usually lasts 10 days. It should be used as directed by a healthcare provider, and patients should complete the full course even if symptoms improve early.
Storage Conditions
Store Diloxanide Furoate at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution for Diloxanide Furoate has not been extensively studied but is expected to be limited to the gastrointestinal tract and systemic circulation after absorption.
Half Life
The half-life of Diloxanide Furoate has been reported to be around 6 hours, which supports its dosing frequency of three times a day.
Clearance
Diloxanide Furoate is primarily cleared via hepatic metabolism, with the metabolites excreted through urine. A portion of the drug is also eliminated through feces.
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