Abstract

Diloxanide furoate is used for treating asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic persons who are passing cysts of Entamoeba histolytica. The Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta) released this drug for 4,371 treatment courses from 1977 through 1990. Of the 2,815 report forms (64%) returned, 656 adverse effects were reported for 390 treatment courses (14%); they included flatulence (260), diarrhea or cramping (100), nausea (93), headache (17), disorientation or dizziness (9), and diplopia (4). During 1984-1990 uniform collection of data allowed more detailed analysis of toxicity and efficacy; fewer adverse effects were reported for persons aged 20 months to 10 years than for persons aged greater than 10 years (6 of 206 [3%] vs. 89 of 763 [12%], relative risk = 0.27, 95% confidence interval = 0.12 less than relative risk less than 0.61). Parasitological cures were achieved during 497 (86%) of the 575 treatment courses (52%) administered to asymptomatic persons who were passing cysts, who had received a full 10-day treatment course, and for whom results of a follow-up stool examination (greater than or equal to 14 days post-treatment) were available. Diloxanide furoate is safe and effective for treating asymptomatic persons who are passing E. histolytica cysts and may be particularly well tolerated in children.