Antiprotozoal Drug: Diloxanide Furoate

Diloxanide Furoate

Diloxanide furoate (Furamide) is an amebicide that is effective against trophozoites in the intestinal tract. In mild or asymptomatic infections, cures of 83 to 95% have been achieved; in patients with dysentery, cure rates may be less impressive. The drug is administered only orally and is rapidly absorbed from the gastroin-testinal tract following hydrolysis of the ester group. It is remarkably free of side effects, but occasionally flatu-lence, abdominal distention, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pruritus, and urticaria occur. Diloxanide is ex-creted in the urine, largely as the glucuronide. It is not available in the United States.