Iodoquinol (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 19, 2021.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Diquinol
• Yodoxin

Chemical Class: Halogenated Hydroxyquinoline

Uses for iodoquinol

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 iodoquinol

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 iodoquinol, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to iodoquinol 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.

Pediatric

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

Geriatric

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.

Breastfeeding

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.

Interactions with 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.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

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 iodoquinol. 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 iodoquinol

Take iodoquinol after meals to lessen possible stomach upset, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If the tab...