Furalan

Indications

Diloxanide Furoate is used to treat intestinal amoebiasis, an infection of the bowel by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It is used on its own for people who pass amoebic cysts in their stools without symptoms, and after Metronidazole or Tinidazole in people with amoebic dysentery or liver abscess, to clear the parasites that remain in the bowel and prevent relapse.

How It Works

Diloxanide Furoate acts mainly inside the bowel. It is broken down to Diloxanide, which kills the amoebae living in the gut, including the cyst forms that spread infection to others. Because little is absorbed into the blood, it works where the parasites live and is not used alone for infection outside the bowel.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: 500 mg three times a day for 10 days. Children over 25 kg: the doctor sets the dose by body weight. Take with or after food to reduce stomach upset. Complete the full course even if you feel better.

Interactions

• No important drug interactions are well known.
• It is commonly used after Metronidazole or Tinidazole as part of planned treatment.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Diloxanide Furoate.
• Children under 25 kg, unless advised by a doctor.

Side Effects

The most common side effect is flatulence (wind). Others include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, itching and hives.

Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, trouble breathing, a severe rash, or bloody diarrhoea, high fever or severe stomach pain that does not improve.

Pregnancy and Lactation

It is usually postponed until after the first trimester of pregnancy and used only if the doctor considers it necessary. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; ask your doctor before use while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Wash hands well after using the toilet and before eating to avoid spreading infection.
• Your doctor may ask for stool tests after treatment to make sure the infection has cleared.
• Tell your doctor if symptoms continue or return.

Overdose

Overdose is likely to cause stomach upset, vomiting and wind. Seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Luminal amoebicide (antiprotozoal).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.