Diquinol

Diquinol belongs to a group of medications called antiprotozoals. These medications are used to treat infections caused by protozoa (microscopic, one-celled animals). Iodoquinol is used to treat an intestinal infection called amebiasis. However, it may be used to treat other types of infection as determined by your doctor.

Once a medication has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also helpful for other medical problems. These uses may not be listed in product labelling. However, these medications are also used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

• Amebiasis, extraintestinal or invasive (injections occuring outside of the intestines)
• Balantidiasis

This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription.

This medication is available in the following forms:

• Tablet

Before using Diquinol, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

Allergies:

Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.

Pediatric:

Children may be more likely to develop certain side effects, especially if high doses are given for an extended period of time.

Geriatric:

No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in the elderly. However, this medication is not expected to cause different side effects in elderly patients than it does in younger adults.

Breastfeeding:

There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose
or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications.

Other Interactions:

Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain mediations may also cause negative interactions. Talk
with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems:

Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Eye disease - Iodoquinol may cause side effects affecting the eye or make eye disease worse
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Thyroid disease - Patients with kidney disease, liver disease, or thyroid disease may have an increased chance of side effects

Proper usage of Diquinol requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders.

Take this medication after meals to lessen potential stomach upset unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

If the tablets are too large to swallow whole, they can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of applesauce or chocolate syrup.

To help clear up the infection completely, keep taking this medication for the full length of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing:

Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication. The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.

• Adults - 630-650mg 3 times per day for 20 days.
• Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The normal dose is 10-13.3mg per kilogram of body weight 3 times per day for 20 days.

Missed dose:

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage:

Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze.

Keep our of the reach of children.

Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

Before using Diquinol, there are some precautions you must take.

This medication may cause blurred vision or loss of vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medication before driving, using machinery or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see well.

If you have thyroid function tests, be sure to inform the doctor in charge that you are taking this medcation or have taken it within the past 6 months.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Diquinol.

Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.