Pronunciation:

eye-oh-doe-KWIN-ol

Brand Names:

• Diquinol
• Yodoxin

Classifications:

Chemical—

Halogenated Hydroxyquinoline

Uses of This Medicine:

Iodoquinol belongs to the group of medicines called antiprotozoals. These medicines are used to treat infections caused by protozoa (tiny, one-celled animals). Iodoquinol is used most often in the treatment of an intestinal infection called amebiasis. However, it may be used to treat other types of infection as determined by your doctor.

Iodoquinol is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Children may be more likely to develop certain side effects, especially if given high doses for a long time.

Older adults—

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of iodoquinol in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breast-feeding—

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

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you 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 or
• Liver disease or
• Thyroid disease—Patients with kidney disease, liver disease, or thyroid disease may have an increased chance of side effects

Proper Use of This Medicine:

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.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

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 you are not able to see well . If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.

If you must have thyroid function tests, make sure the doctor knows that you are taking this medicine or have taken it within the past 6 months.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately 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 occur 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 about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or 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 occur 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.