Diloxanide Furoate
Diloxanide furoate is an effective luminal amoebicide that acts directly within the intestinal lumen to destroy the trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica, preventing them from forming cysts. It is often used as a follow-up or secondary treatment after tissue amoebicides like metronidazole have cleared the systemic infection.
Dosage by Body Weight
The standard adult dosage is 500 mg orally three times daily for 10 days. The pediatric dosage is calculated based on body weight, typically at 20 mg/kg daily in three divided doses for 10 days. It should be administered with or after meals to reduce stomach irritation.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in infants and children weighing under 10 kg are not fully established. Use only under strict specialist pediatric supervision.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 33 mg to 45 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily for 10 days
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at approximately 20 mg/kg/day divided into three doses. Oral suspension formulation is preferred for accurate dosing.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 50 mg to 65 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily for 10 days
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at approximately 20 mg/kg/day divided into three doses. Administer with food.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 75 mg to 100 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily for 10 days
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure the child completes the full 10-day course even if symptoms resolve earlier to avoid relapse.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg to 130 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily for 10 days
- Tracking Notes
- Can be administered via oral suspension or crushed tablets mixed with food if authorized by a healthcare professional.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy in infants and children weighing under 10 kg are not fully established. Use only under strict specialist pediatric supervision. |
| 5-7 kg | 33 mg to 45 mg | Three times daily for 10 days | Calculated at approximately 20 mg/kg/day divided into three doses. Oral suspension formulation is preferred for accurate dosing. |
| 8-10 kg | 50 mg to 65 mg | Three times daily for 10 days | Calculated at approximately 20 mg/kg/day divided into three doses. Administer with food. |
| 11-15 kg | 75 mg to 100 mg | Three times daily for 10 days | Ensure the child completes the full 10-day course even if symptoms resolve earlier to avoid relapse. |
| 16-20 kg | 100 mg to 130 mg | Three times daily for 10 days | Can be administered via oral suspension or crushed tablets mixed with food if authorized by a healthcare professional. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of luminal amoebiasis and eradication of Entamoeba histolytica cysts (asymptomatic cyst passers) after invasive amoebic disease has been treated with tissue-acting amoebicides.
Generic Name
Diloxanide FuroateBranded Drug Names
Diloxanide Furoate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.