Diquinol (Oral)

Iodoquinol is part of a group of medicines known as antiprotozoals. These medicines treat infections caused by protozoa, which are tiny, one-celled animals. Iodoquinol is mainly used to treat an intestinal infection called amebiasis, but your doctor may prescribe it for other types of infections as well.

Iodoquinol is available only with a prescription from your doctor.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or loss of vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if your vision is not clear. If these effects are particularly bothersome, talk to your doctor.

If you need to have thyroid function tests, make sure your doctor knows that you are taking this medicine or have taken it in the last 6 months.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor must consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other kinds of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Children may be more likely to experience certain side effects, especially if they are given high doses for a long period.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may be unclear if they work the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or issues in older adults. There is no specific information comparing the use of iodoquinol in elderly patients to its use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could occur. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may impact the use of this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

• Eye disease—Iodoquinol may cause side effects that affect the eye or worsen existing eye disease

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease or
• Thyroid disease—Patients with kidney disease, liver disease, or thyroid disease may have a higher risk of side effects.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Fever or chills
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• swelling of neck

With long-term use of high doses

especially in children

• Blurred vision or any change in vision
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• decreased vision or eye pain
• increased weakness
• muscle pain
• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Diarrhea
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain

Less common

• Headache
• itching of the rectal area

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

In the U.S.

• Diquinol
• Yodoxin

Chemical Class: Halogenated Hydroxyquinoline

Take this medicine after meals to lessen possible stomach upset, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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

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

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets): For amebiasis: Adults—630 or 650 milligrams (mg) three times a day for twenty days. Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 10 to 13.3 mg per kilogram (kg) (4.5 to 6 mg per pound) of body weight three times a day for twenty days.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.