Generic medicine

Diloxanide Furoate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Diloxanide Furoate is a luminal-acting amoebicide indicated for the treatment of intestinal amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica .

Forms:Tablet

About Diloxanide Furoate

Indications of Diloxanide Furoate

Diloxanide Furoate is a luminal-acting amoebicide indicated for the treatment of intestinal amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Its indications, by strength of evidence, are:

  • Established use — asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis (cyst passers): Diloxanide Furoate is used to eradicate E. histolytica cysts from the bowel lumen in patients who are passing cysts but have no invasive symptoms.
  • Guideline-supported adjunct use — follow-up after invasive amoebiasis: after a tissue-acting agent (e.g., metronidazole) has been used to treat invasive intestinal amoebiasis (amoebic dysentery) or amoebic liver abscess, Diloxanide Furoate is given as a follow-up course to eradicate any residual luminal organisms and reduce the risk of relapse or continued transmission.

Diloxanide Furoate is not effective as monotherapy for invasive or extraintestinal amoebiasis (e.g., amoebic liver abscess or amoebic dysentery) because it acts only within the bowel lumen and is poorly absorbed into tissue; invasive disease requires a tissue-acting amoebicide first.

Dosage & Administration of Diloxanide Furoate

Dosage of Diloxanide Furoate by Indication

IndicationAdult DosePediatric DoseDuration
Asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis (cyst passer)500 mg orally three times daily20 mg/kg/day orally in 3 divided doses (children ≥ 2 years; max 500 mg/dose)10 days
Follow-up/adjunct after invasive amoebiasis treated with a tissue-acting amoebicide500 mg orally three times daily20 mg/kg/day orally in 3 divided doses (children ≥ 2 years; max 500 mg/dose)10 days, started after completion of the tissue-acting agent

Administration: Diloxanide Furoate tablets are usually taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset, at evenly spaced intervals through the day. The full course must be completed even if symptoms resolve early, and stool examinations are typically repeated after treatment to confirm cyst clearance.

Important: Take Diloxanide Furoate exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, as incomplete treatment can allow luminal cysts to persist and be transmitted to others.

Side Effects of Diloxanide Furoate

Diloxanide Furoate is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse effect is:

  • Flatulence — the most frequently reported side effect, occurring in a substantial proportion of patients.
  • Mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and loose stools.
  • Less commonly: pruritus, urticaria (skin rash/itching), and dizziness.

Most side effects are mild and self-limiting and do not usually require discontinuation of therapy.

Contraindications of Diloxanide Furoate

Diloxanide Furoate is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to diloxanide, diloxanide furoate, or any component of the formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Diloxanide Furoate

What is Diloxanide Furoate used for?

Diloxanide Furoate is a luminal amoebicide used to treat asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis (cyst passers) and as follow-up therapy after a tissue-acting drug like metronidazole has been used to treat invasive amoebiasis, to clear any remaining cysts from the bowel.

Can Diloxanide Furoate be used alone to treat amoebic liver abscess?

No. Diloxanide Furoate acts only within the intestinal lumen and is not effective as monotherapy for invasive disease such as amoebic liver abscess or severe amoebic dysentery. These conditions require a tissue-acting amoebicide such as metronidazole, with Diloxanide Furoate used afterward to eliminate residual luminal cysts.

What is the usual dose of Diloxanide Furoate for adults?

The typical adult dose is 500 mg taken by mouth three times daily for 10 days, usually with meals to reduce stomach upset. The full 10-day course should always be completed as prescribed by the physician.

What are the common side effects of Diloxanide Furoate?

Diloxanide Furoate is generally well tolerated. The most common side effect is flatulence, and some patients may experience mild nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or loose stools. Skin itching or rash occurs less commonly.

Is Diloxanide Furoate safe during pregnancy?

Safety data in pregnancy are limited. Diloxanide Furoate should be used during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, only if clearly needed and if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Always consult a physician before use in pregnancy.

What should I do if I miss a dose or stop treatment early?

Take Diloxanide Furoate exactly as prescribed. Do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share the medicine with others without medical advice, since an incomplete course may fail to eradicate the amoebic cysts and can lead to relapse or continued spread of infection.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

DoctorBlogArticles