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dichlorophen

P02DX02

Forms & Strengths

Veterinary combination tablets (typically combined with other anthelmintics like piperazine or n-butyl chloride)
Historical human formulations (tablets, suspension, no longer widely available)

Adult Dosing

Historical human taeniasis dosage: 3 g to 6 g as a single dose, usually followed by a saline purge
Primarily used in veterinary medicine currently; human use is largely obsolete

Pediatric Dosing

Not recommended for pediatric use due to lack of modern safety data and availability of safer alternatives
Historical pediatric dosing scaled by age/weight (e.g., 100-200 mg/kg), rarely used

Indications

Treatment of tapeworm infections (Taenia species) in veterinary medicine
Historical treatment of human cestodiasis (Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Hymenolepis nana)

Mechanism of Action

Acts as a taenicide by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria of cestodes
Causes paralysis of the tapeworm, leading to detachment from the intestinal wall and expulsion

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to dichlorophen or related phenolic compounds
Severe hepatic or renal impairment
Intestinal obstruction

Adverse Reactions

Gastrointestinal distress: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Central nervous system effects: headache, dizziness
Allergic skin reactions and pruritus
Transient elevation of liver enzymes

Drug Interactions

Alcohol: may provoke a disulfiram-like reaction or increased toxicity
Lipophilic drugs or oils: should not be co-administered as they may increase systemic absorption of dichlorophen
Other hepatotoxic agents: potential for additive liver toxicity

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use