Iodoquinol
Iodoquinol (diiodohydroxyquin) is an orally administered halogenated hydroxyquinoline used primarily as a luminal amebicide. Because it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, it reaches high concentrations in the intestinal lumen where it kills amebic trophozoites and cysts.
Dosage by Body Weight
Standard adult dose is 650 mg orally three times daily after meals for 20 days. Pediatric dose is calculated at 30 to 40 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses for 20 days, not to exceed 1.95 g per day. Treatment courses should not be repeated immediately due to the risk of optic neuritis and neuropathy.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in neonates and small infants have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 50 mg to 80 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily for 20 days
- Tracking Notes
- Administer with meals to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. Tablets may be crushed and mixed with food.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 80 mg to 120 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily for 20 days
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor for thyroid enlargement as iodoquinol contains iodine and can affect thyroid function tests.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 110 mg to 180 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily for 20 days
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed the specified 20-day course of therapy to prevent neurotoxicity.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 160 mg to 240 mg
- Frequency
- Three times daily for 20 days
- Tracking Notes
- Discontinue immediately if visual disturbances or neurological symptoms occur.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy in neonates and small infants have not been established. |
| 5-7 kg | 50 mg to 80 mg | Three times daily for 20 days | Administer with meals to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. Tablets may be crushed and mixed with food. |
| 8-10 kg | 80 mg to 120 mg | Three times daily for 20 days | Monitor for thyroid enlargement as iodoquinol contains iodine and can affect thyroid function tests. |
| 11-15 kg | 110 mg to 180 mg | Three times daily for 20 days | Do not exceed the specified 20-day course of therapy to prevent neurotoxicity. |
| 16-20 kg | 160 mg to 240 mg | Three times daily for 20 days | Discontinue immediately if visual disturbances or neurological symptoms occur. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of asymptomatic or mild-to-moderate intestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica. It acts as a luminal amebicide to eradicate cysts in the bowel.
Generic Name
IodoquinolBranded Drug Names
Iodoquinol 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.