How does it work?

Diloxanide furoate belongs to a group of medicines called amoebicides. It is used to kill amoeba which belongs to a group of organisms known as protozoa. Metronidazole has an antibacterial action as well as an antiprotozoal action. The mechanism of how diloxanide furoate treats these infections is not known, but it kills the amoebas in the bowel (intestinal) lumen but is not effective against organisms in the tissues or other organs in the body. Metronidazole works by entering the cells of the protozoa and binding to the genetic material (DNA). This prevents the formation of further genetic material. As new genetic material is needed to make new cells, this stops the organisms from reproducing. Giardia and the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica are both protozoal parasites which live in the gut. They can sometimes cause infections outside of the gut in other organs of the body. They are caught by eating food or drinking water contaminated by faeces from someone carrying the disease. The combination of diloxanide and metronidazole are effective against infections caused by these organisms.

What is it used for?

Infection caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica which occur outside of the the gut in other organs of the body.

Long-term gut infection causing diarrhoea (chronic amoebic dysentry)

Parasitic gut infection caused by the protozoa Giardia lamblia

Sudden severe diarrhoea due to infection caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica (acute amoebic dysentry)

Warning!

Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Blood disorders

Diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)

Impairment of brain function caused by liver disease

Liver disease

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Abdominal pain

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)

Fits (convulsions)

Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)

Disorder of the peripheral nerves causing weakness and numbness (peripheral neuropathy)

Dizziness

Bitter or metallic taste

Itchy rash (urticaria)

Sensation of a furry tongue

Darkens the colour of the urine

Itching (pruritus)

Skin rashes

Nausea and vomiting

Headache

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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