Iodoquinol Side Effects

Some side effects of iodoquinol may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to iodoquinol: oral tablet

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.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to iodoquinol: compounding powder, oral tablet

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and pruritus ani.

Nervous system

Some neuropathy may be irreversible. Seizures and encephalopathy have been reported in at least one patient. Optic atrophy has been reported, generally in children being treated for acrodermatitis enteropathica at daily dosages between 1300 to 3600 mg for up to two years. Visual deterioration is generally irreversible.

Clioquinol, another hydroxyquinoline, was associated with several thousand cases of subacute myelo-optic neuropathy in Japan, leading to its removal from the market. This syndrome consisted of peripheral weakness, spastic paraparesis, dysesthesia, and optic neuropathy.

Because of the neurotoxicity associated with iodoquinol and its growing use in pediatric patients for the treatment of nonspecific chronic diarrhea in the 1970's, the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs issued a statement recommending that products containing clioquinol or iodoquinol not be used in pediatric patients.

Nervous system side effects have been reported rarely. These have included peripheral neuropathy and headache. Optic atrophy has been reported, generally in pediatric patients receiving large doses for long periods of time.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included acneiform papular or pustular skin eruptions, bulla, urticaria, and pruritus. These reactions are related to the iodine content of iodoquinol.

Other

Other side effects have included fever, chills, and enlargement of the thyroid.

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