iodoquinol

Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Iodoquinol may cause dizziness or visual disturbances. Report any vision changes to your doctor.

Iodoquinol is an amebicidal drug. The exact way that iodoquinol works is not known.

Iodoquinol is used to treat intestinal infections caused by amoebae.

Iodoquinol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not take iodoquinol without first talking to your doctor if you have

• liver disease;
• optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve) or other vision problems;
• nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy, numbness or tingling); or
• thyroid disease.

You may not be able to take iodoquinol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether iodoquinol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take iodoquinol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known if iodoquinol will affect a nursing infant. Do not take iodoquinol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take iodoquinol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take iodoquinol after a meal.

It is important to take iodoquinol regularly to get the most benefit.

Store iodoquinol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an iodoquinol overdose have not been reported.

Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Iodoquinol may cause dizziness or visual disturbances. Report any vision changes to your doctor.

Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• vision problems;
• numbness or tingling; or
• skin rash.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take iodoquinol and talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps;
• diarrhea;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• fever or chills;
• itching; or
• enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking iodoquinol, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• bortezomib (Velcade);
• didanosine (Videx);
• lamivudine (Epivir, Epivir-HBV, Trizivir);
• stavudine (Zerit, Zerit XR); or
• zalcitibine (Hivid).

You may not be able to take iodoquinol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with iodoquinol. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.

Your pharmacist has more information about iodoquinol written for health professionals that you may read.

Iodoquinol is available with a prescription under the brand names Yodoxin and Diquinol. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.