THE MERCK MANUAL: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
Print Topic

Iodoquinol Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

-
-

This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or standards of non-Merck sources.

Pronunciation

(eye oh doe KWIN ole)

Generic Available (U.S.)

No

Index Terms

  • Diiodohydroxyquin

Brand Names: U.S.

  • Yodoxin®

Brand Names: Canada

  • Diodoquin®

Pharmacologic Category

  • Amebicide

Use: Labeled Indications

Treatment of acute and chronic intestinal amebiasis; asymptomatic cyst passers; Blastocystis hominis infections; ineffective for amebic hepatitis or hepatic abscess

Pregnancy Considerations

There is very limited data on the use of iodoquinol during pregnancy and safety has not been established. Adverse effects have occurred in children exposed to topical iodoquinol.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown

Breast-Feeding Considerations

It is unknown if iodoquinol is excreted in human milk and safety during lactation has not been established.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to iodine or iodoquinol or any component of the formulation; hepatic damage; pre-existing optic neuropathy

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Hypersensitivity reactions: May occur.

• Optic atrophy/neuritis: Following prolonged use, optic neuritis and optic atrophy have occurred; avoid long-term therapy.

Disease-related concerns:

• Thyroid disease: Use with caution in patients with thyroid abnormalities.

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Central nervous system: Fever, chills, agitation, retrograde amnesia, headache

Dermatologic: Rash, urticaria, pruritus

Endocrine & metabolic: Thyroid gland enlargement

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, abdominal cramps

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Peripheral neuropathy, weakness

Ocular: Optic neuritis, optic atrophy, visual impairment

Miscellaneous: Itching of rectal area

Metabolism/Transport Effects

None known.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Mechanism of Action

Contact amebicide that works in the lumen of the intestine by an unknown mechanism

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Poor and erratic

Metabolism: Hepatic

Excretion: Feces (high percentage)

Dosage

Oral:

Children: 30-40 mg/kg/day (maximum: 650 mg/dose) in 3 divided doses for 20 days; not to exceed 1.95 g/day

Adults: 650 mg 3 times/day after meals for 20 days; not to exceed 1.95 g/day

Administration: Oral

Tablets may be crushed and mixed with applesauce or chocolate syrup. May take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Complete full course of therapy.

Monitoring Parameters

Ophthalmologic exam

Test Interactions

May increase protein-bound serum iodine concentrations reflecting a decrease in 131I uptake; false-positive ferric chloride test for phenylketonuria

Dietary Considerations

Should be taken after meals.

Patient Education

Maintain adequate hydration, unless instructed to restrict fluid intake, and nutrition. You may experience GI upset. Report unresolved or severe nausea or vomiting, skin rash, fever, or fatigue.

Geriatric Considerations

This agent is no longer a drug of choice; use only if other therapy is contraindicated or has failed. Due to optic nerve damage, use cautiously in the elderly.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May cause agitation or amnesia

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Check allergy history (iodine) prior to beginning therapy. Perform ophthalmological exams with long-term therapy.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, oral:

Yodoxin®: 210 mg, 650 mg

References

“Drugs for Parasitic Infections,” Med Lett Drugs Ther, 1993, 35(911):111-22.

International Brand Names

  • Depofin (MX)
  • Floraquin (TW)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision October 2011

Copyright     © 2010-2011 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A.    Privacy    Terms of Use