Iodoquinol Side Effects

Please note - some side effects for Iodoquinol may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Iodoquinol - for the Consumer

Iodoquinol

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Iodoquinol:

Constipation; diarrhea; nausea; rectal irritation or itching; stomach cramps.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); numbness or tingling of arms or legs; vision changes; vomiting.

Side Effects by Body System

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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