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ANTIPARASITIC PRODUCTS, INSECTICIDES AND REPELLENTS › ANTIPROTOZOALS › AGENTS AGAINST AMOEBIASIS AND OTHER PROTOZOAL DISEASES › Dichloroacetamide derivatives
etofamide
P01AC03
Forms & Strengths
- Oral suspension: 500 mg / 5 mL
- Tablets: 500 mg
Adult Dosing
- Amebiasis (intestinal): 500 mg orally twice daily for 3 to 5 days
- Asymptomatic cyst passers: 500 mg orally twice daily for 3 days
Pediatric Dosing
- Children > 2 years: 20 mg/kg/day divided in two daily doses for 3 to 5 days
- Infants < 2 years: Safety and efficacy not fully established; use weight-based dosing under strict medical supervision
Indications
- Treatment of acute intestinal amebiasis
- Eradication of Entamoeba histolytica cysts in asymptomatic carriers
Mechanism of Action
- Dichloroacetamide derivative acting locally within the intestinal lumen
- Amebicidal effect directed against trophozoites and cysts residing in the bowel lumen
- Minimal systemic absorption, maintaining high concentrations at the site of intestinal infection
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to etofamide or other dichloroacetamide derivatives
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Extraintestinal amebiasis (e.g., hepatic abscess)
Adverse Reactions
- Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea)
- Headache
- Transient skin rash or pruritus
Drug Interactions
- No major systemic drug interactions reported due to minimal systemic absorption
- Potential additive gastrointestinal irritation with other oral medications
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use