Iodoquinol Capsules Compounded

What is an intestinal parasitic infection?

An intestinal parasitic infection is characterized as an infection triggered by a parasite which manifests in the intestine. Symptoms include loose stool, abdominal cramping, and stomach pain. Iodoquinol should not be used to treat diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms with an unknown cause.

When should I use Iodoquinol?

Iodoquinol should be used for the following approved indications. It can also be used to treat other parasitic infections as an alternative if the benefits are considered greater than the risks by your doctor and pharmacist.

Uses:

• Amebiasis caused by entamoeba histolytica
• Balantidiasis caused by Balantidium coli
• Blastocystis caused by Blastocystis hominis
• Dientamoeba caused by Dientamoeba fragilis

Brand Name:

Yodoxin®

Drug Class:

antiprotozoal/amebicide

Mechanism of Action:

Although the exact mechanism of iodoquinol is unknown, it acts against trophozoites of entamoeba histolytica by producing amebicidal effects at the site of infection. Iodoquinol is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract which allows it to reach high concentrations in the intestines allowing it to fight the parasitic infection.

Drug Interactions:

Iodoquinol can interact with various medications such as thyroid medications (levothyroxine, methimazole). Iodoquinol can also interact with laboratory tests to cause false results.

Talk to your doctor if you have:

Thyroid disease, kidney disease or eye disease as this medication can precipitate these conditions.

Contraindications:

Iodoquinol is contraindicated in patients with iodine or 8-hydroxyquinoline hypersensitivities as well as patients with hepatic disease

Adverse Effects:

The most serious effect of iodoquinol is neurotoxicity which is dose and duration dependent. Other adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, or itching of the rectum. Contact your doctor of you have severe side effects such as: swelling of the neck (goiter), weakness, unsteadiness, agitation, muscle pain, eye pain, vision changes (e.g., vision loss), numbness/tingling of arms/legs or signs of an infection or allergic reaction.

Administration/Dosing:

This medication is tailored to each individuals by their doctor. However, generally, it is taken after meals, 3 times a day for a total of 20 days. In children, the dose of iodoquinol is weight-based.

If you suspect an overdose, call poison control immediately at: 1-800-222-1222

CareFirst Specialty Pharmacy can compound Iodoquinol capsules. Contact a compounding pharmacist at CareFirst Specialty Pharmacy to talk about if iodoquinol capsules are right for you.

References:

• AHFS drug information 2009. McEvoy GK, ed. Iodoquinol. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2009:856-7.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. 2006 Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 27th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2006.
• Anon. Drugs for parasitic infections. From the Medical Letter website. 2008 Aug.
• Glenwood. Yodoxin® (iodoquinol) tablets prescribing information. From manufacturer’s website. Accessed 2009 May 11.