Diloxanide

Diloxanide is an antiprotozoal agent used in the treatment of amoebiasis, an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It is often administered in combination with other antibiotics or antiprotozoal drugs to enhance its efficacy.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Diloxanide is a luminal amebicide, meaning it acts primarily within the intestinal lumen to eliminate the cyst form of E. histolytica. It is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, which allows it to reach high concentrations in the bowel where it can exert its antiprotozoal effects.

Clinical Use[edit | edit source]

Diloxanide is used in the treatment of asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis, a condition in which E. histolytica is present in the gastrointestinal tract but is not causing symptoms. It is also used as a second-line treatment for symptomatic amoebiasis, typically in combination with a tissue amebicide such as metronidazole.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of diloxanide include flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Rarely, it can cause urticaria (hives) and pruritus (itching).

Dosage[edit | edit source]

The typical dosage of diloxanide is 500 mg three times daily for 10 days. It is usually taken after meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

History[edit | edit source]

Diloxanide was first synthesized in the 1950s and has been used in the treatment of amoebiasis since the 1960s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medications needed in a basic health system.

File:Diloxanide.svg

Chemical structure of diloxanide