Iodohydroxyquinoline
About
Iodohydroxyquinoline 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’.
Iodohydroxyquinoline contains ‘Iodohydroxyquinolione’ that acts against intestinal (lumen) amoeba that forms cysts. The intestine poorly absorbs Iodohydroxyquinoline 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 Iodohydroxyquinoline as prescribed by your doctor. Some common side effects of this medicine include vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, skin itchiness, fever, chills, headache, dizziness and an enlarged thyroid. These side effects are mild and temporary and disappear after some time. However, if these side effects persist, consult your doctor.
Do not take Iodohydroxyquinoline if you are allergic to ‘iodine’, ‘iodohydroxyquinoline’, or any other ingredients present in this medicine. Before taking Iodohydroxyquinoline, 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 Iodohydroxyquinoline 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 any other medicines, herbal products or dietary supplements beforehand.
Uses of Iodohydroxyquinoline
Medicinal Benefits
Iodohydroxyquinoline contains 'iodohydroxyquiononlione', which is antiprotozoal and amebicidal in nature. It acts against growing amoeba, which survives in our intestines and causes diarrhoea. Iodohydroxyquinoline 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 Iodohydroxyquinoline
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Skin itchiness
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Enlarged thyroid
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Iodohydroxyquinoline if you are allergic to ‘iodohydroxyquinoline’, ‘iodine’, or any ingredients present in it. Also, it should not be used in patients with liver failure, kidney failure, and chronic diarrhea, 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: Iodohydroxyquinoline interacts with Iodine containing medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Iodohydroxyquinoline 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, avoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with this medicine.
Pregnancy
unsafeIodohydroxyquinoline is a category C drug. It may cause toxic effects on the unborn baby when used during pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant, do not take this medicine without first consulting your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionIodohydroxyquinoline should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. It should be given only when clinically needed.
Driving
cautionIodohydroxyquinoline may cause dizziness; hence, drive or operate machines only if you are alert after taking this medicine.
Liver
cautionIodohydroxyquinoline 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
cautionIodohydroxyquinoline 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
cautionIodohydroxyquinoline should be used with caution in children below 12 years of age. Your doctor will recommend the dose of this medicine based on your child's age, body weight and condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- If you have diarrhea, try to drink appropriate amounts of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- If you have minor diarrhea, (less than four stools daily), drinking caffeine-free soft drinks, juices or sport rehydration drinks can be sufficient.
- If the diarrhea 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 4 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 if your symptoms persist.
- Do not take Iodohydroxyquinoline if you are allergic to iodine or iodine-containing products like shrimps.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Amoebic diarrhoea: An intestinal illness caused by a parasite (amoeba) known as Entamoeba histolytica spreads through human faeces (poop). Usually, there are no symptoms, but sometimes, it causes diarrhoea (loose stool more than three times per day), 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
Iodohydroxyquinoline is an antiprotozoal agent used to treat amebiasis and balantidiasis. It works 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.
Iodohydroxyquinoline is not recommended for long-term use. This medicine is usually given for 20 days.
Iodohydroxyquinoline contains ‘iodine’ and may interfere with some thyroid tests if this medicine is taken in patients with thyroid problems. So it is better to avoid intake of Iodohydroxyquinoline in case of thyroid disease or using any iodine-containing products. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Do not stop taking this medicine even if you feel better as it may cause a recurrence of symptoms. So, complete the course of therapy as prescribed by your doctor.
