Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names;
Description
Diloxanide can usually be given alone for chronic intestinal amoebiasis, but should be used as an adjunct to metronidazole or tinidazole acute intestinal amoebiasis.
Indications
Amoebiasis – acute intestinal: adjunctive treatment
Amoebiasis – intestinal chronic : treatment
Contraindications
Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Adverse Effects
Side effects include flatulence, itchiness, and hives. In general, the use of diloxanide is well tolerated with minimal toxicity. Although there is no clear risk of harm when used during pregnancy, diloxanide should be avoided in the first trimester if possible
Diloxanide furoate is not recommended in women who are breast feeding, and in children <2 years of age
Warnings
Children weighing less than 25kg
Pregnancy and Lactation
Diloxanide furoate is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Diloxanide furoate is contraindicated in breastfeeding.
Maximum Dosage
Diloxanide can usually be given alone for chronic intestinal amoebiasis, but should be used as an adjunct to metronidazole or tinidazole acute intestinal amoebiasis.
Adults
500mg three times a day for ten days.
If required, a second course of treatment may be prescribed.
Children
Children 25kg and over
20mg/kg daily, in divided doses for ten days.
If required, a second course of treatment may be prescribed.
The following alternative dosing schedule may be suitable:
Children aged 12 to 18 years (less than 25kg – unlicensed)
500mg three times a day for ten days.
Children aged 1 month to 12 years (less than 25kg – unlicensed)
6.6mg/kg three times a day for ten days.
How supplied
diloxanide furoate 500mg tablets