Diiodohydroxyquinoline
About
Diiodohydroxyquinoline belongs to a group of medications called ‘antiprotozoal agents’ used in the treatment of amoebiasis, also known as amebic dysentery. It can be used for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. It is also used to treat Balantidiasis. Amebiasis, or amebic dysentery, is an intestinal disease caused by the protozoal organism called ‘Entamoeba histolytica’. On the other hand, Balantidiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the protozoa, ‘Balantidium coli’.
Diiodohydroxyquinoline contains ‘Diiodohydroxyquinoline’ that acts against intestinal (lumen) amoeba that forms cysts. The intestine poorly absorbs Diiodohydroxyquinoline and so remains in the intestine at a very high concentration. It interferes with the enzymes required for the amoeba's survival in the intestine and forms iron chelate (complex compound), thereby killing amoeba cells and destroying their outer cell wall (cyst) layer. Besides this, it also enhances zinc absorption in the intestine and forms complex chelate of zinc ions, which also help destroy amoeba cells.
Take Diiodohydroxyquinoline as prescribed by the doctor. Sometimes, Diiodohydroxyquinoline may cause common side effects such as vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, skin itchiness, fever, chills, headache, dizziness and an enlarged thyroid. These side effects are mild and temporary and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist, contact a doctor.
Do not take Diiodohydroxyquinoline if you are allergic to ‘iodine’, ‘diiodohydroxyquinoline’, or any other ingredients present in it. Before taking Diiodohydroxyquinoline, inform your doctor if you have thyroid problems, as this medicine contains iodine and may interfere with some thyroid tests. Taking a higher dose of Diiodohydroxyquinoline by people with optic neuropathy can cause a severe optic neuritis condition. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are taking prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbal products or dietary supplements.
Uses of Diiodohydroxyquinoline
Medicinal Benefits
Diiodohydroxyquinoline contains 'diiodohydroxyquinoline', which is antiprotozoal and amebicidal in nature. It acts against growing amoeba, which survives in our intestines and causes diarrhoea. Diiodohydroxyquinoline forms a chelate or complex compound of iron and zinc in the intestine, which interferes with amoeba working, and thus these protozoa get killed. It is also used in the treatment of balantidiasis, bacterial and fungal infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Diiodohydroxyquinoline
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Skin itchiness
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Dizziness
- An enlarged thyroid
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Diiodohydroxyquinoline if you are allergic to ‘diiodohydroxyquinoline’, ‘iodine’ or any ingredients present in it. Also, it should not be used in patients with liver failure, kidney failure, and chronic diarrhoea, especially in children. It should be used with caution in patients with thyroid problems and neurological disorders (diseases associated with the brain and spinal cord). It is also not recommended for long-term use.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Diiodohydroxyquinoline interacts with Iodine containing medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Diiodohydroxyquinoline should be used with caution in patients with thyroid problems, liver failure, and optic neuropathy (an eye disease).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects. Hence, do not consume alcohol while on treatment with this medicine.
Pregnancy
unsafeDiiodohydroxyquinoline is a category C drug. It may cause toxic effects on the unborn baby when used during pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant, inform your doctor beforehand.
Breast Feeding
cautionDiiodohydroxyquinoline should be used with caution in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant.
Driving
cautionDiiodohydroxyquinoline may cause dizziness. Hence, avoid driving or operating machinery after taking this medicine until you are alert.
Liver
cautionDiiodohydroxyquinoline should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustments may be necessary. If you have liver problems, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionDiiodohydroxyquinoline should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustments may be necessary. If you have kidney problems, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Children
cautionDiiodohydroxyquinoline should be used with caution in children below 12 years of age. Your doctor will decide the dose based on your child's age, body weight and condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- If you have diarrhoea, try to drink appropriate amounts of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- If you have minor diarrhoea (less than four stools daily), drinking caffeine-free soft drinks, juices or sport rehydration drinks can be sufficient.
- If the diarrhoea is more severe, specially formulated rehydration drinks should be taken.
Special Advise
- If you have major diarrhoea, it is advisable to drink appropriate amounts of fluids or water to avoid dehydration. If you have minor diarrhoea (i.e. less than four stools daily), try to include caffeine-free soft drinks, juices or sport rehydration drinks. If the diarrhoea is more severe, specially formulated rehydration drinks should be taken. Do not take plenty of fluid if you are a kidney patient. Consult your doctor immediately.
- Do not take Diiodohydroxyquinoline if you are allergic to iodine or iodine-containing products like shrimp.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Amoebic dysentery: It is an intestinal (bowel) illness caused by a parasite (amoeba) known as Entamoeba histolytica spread through human faeces (poop). Usually, there are no symptoms, but, sometimes, it causes diarrhoea (loose stool/poop), nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach) and weight loss.
Balantidiasis: It is the inflammation of the large intestine (colon) caused by Balantidium coli. Symptoms include chronic diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain and weight loss.
FAQs
Diiodohydroxyquinoline is an antiprotozoal agent used to treat amebiasis and balantidiasis. It acts by identifying and killing the growing parasites in the intestines which cause dysentery. It is also used in the treatment of some bacterial and fungal infections.
Diiodohydroxyquinoline is not recommended for long-term use. This medicine is usually given for 20 days.
Diiodohydroxyquinoline contains ‘iodine’ and may interfere with some thyroid tests if this medicine is taken in patients with thyroid problems.
Do not stop taking this medicine even if you feel better, as it may cause a recurrence of symptoms. So, completing the course of therapy as prescribed by your doctor is always recommended.
