iodoquinol

Generic Name: iodoquinol (eye oh DOE quih nol)

Brand Names: Diquinol, Yodoxin

What is iodoquinol?

Iodoquinol is an amebicidal drug. The exact way that iodoquinol works is not known.

Iodoquinol is used to treat intestinal infections caused by amoebae.

Iodoquinol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about iodoquinol?

Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Iodoquinol may cause dizziness or visual disturbances. Report any vision changes to your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking iodoquinol?

Do not take iodoquinol without first talking to your doctor if you have

• liver disease;


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  optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve) or other vision problems;

  
  


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  nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy, numbness or tingling); or

  
  


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  thyroid disease.

  
  

You may not be able to take iodoquinol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether iodoquinol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take iodoquinol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known if iodoquinol will affect a nursing infant. Do not take iodoquinol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take iodoquinol?

Take iodoquinol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take iodoquinol after a meal.

It is important to take iodoquinol regularly to get the most benefit.

Store iodoquinol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Iodoquinol dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an iodoquinol overdose have not been reported.

What should I avoid while taking iodoquinol?

Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Iodoquinol may cause dizziness or visual disturbances. Report any vision changes to your doctor.

Iodoquinol side effects

Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects:

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  an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

  
  


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  vision problems;

  
  


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  numbness or tingling; or

  
  


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  skin rash.

  
  

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take iodoquinol and talk to your doctor if you experience

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  nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps;

  
  


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  diarrhea;

  
  


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  headache;

  
  


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  dizziness;

  
  


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  fever or chills;

  
  


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  itching; or

  
  


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  enlargement of the thyroid gland.

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Iodoquinol Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Amebiasis:

650 mg orally 3 times a day for 20 days. In moderate or severe cases of intestinal amebiasis or extraintestinal amebiasis, iodoquinol should follow therapy with metronidazole.

Usual Adult Dose for Dientamoeba fragilis:

650 mg orally 3 times a day for 20 days. Follow-up stool examinations should be done 4 weeks after the start of therapy.

Usual Adult Dose for Balantidium coli:

650 mg orally 3 times a day for 20 days. Iodoquinol is considered an alternative to tetracycline in the treatment of Balantidium coli infections.

Usual Adult Dose for Blastocystis hominis:

650 mg orally 3 times a day for 20 days. Metronidazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and iodoquinol have been suggested as possible therapeutic choices in treating Blastocystis hominis.

What other drugs will affect iodoquinol?

Before taking iodoquinol, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

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  bortezomib (Velcade);

  
  


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  didanosine (Videx);

  
  


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  lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir-HBV, Trizivir);

  
  


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  stavudine (Zerit, Zerit XR); or

  
  


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  zalcitibine (Hivid).

  
  

You may not be able to take iodoquinol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with iodoquinol. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.

More iodoquinol resources

• Iodoquinol Side Effects (in more detail)
• Iodoquinol Dosage
• Iodoquinol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Iodoquinol Drug Interactions
• Iodoquinol Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Iodoquinol - Add your own review/rating

• iodoquinol Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Iodoquinol Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Iodoquinol MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare iodoquinol with other medications

• Amebiasis
• Balantidium coli
• Blastocystis Infection
• Dientamoeba fragilis

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about iodoquinol written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: iodoquinol side effects (in more detail)