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Iodoquinol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 8, 2023.

Applies to iodoquinol: oral tablets.

Side effects include:

Iodism manifested by generalized furunculosis (iodine toxicoderma) and skin reactions (papular and pustular acneiform eruptions, bullae, vegetating or tuberous iododerma), urticaria and pruritus, GI effects (anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, pruritus ani), fever, chills, headache, vertigo, thyroid enlargement, optic neuritis, optic atrophy, peripheral neuropathy.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to iodoquinol: compounding powder, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal

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

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.[Ref]

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.[Ref]

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.[Ref]

Other

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

References

1. Warning on diiodohydroxyquin. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1974;16:71-2.

2. Product Information. Yodoxin (iodoquinol). Glenwood Inc. 2001;PROD.

3. Fisher AK, Walter FG, Szabo S. Iodoquinol associated seizures and radiopacity. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1993;31:113-20.

4. Behrens MM. Letter: Optic atrophy in children after diiodohydroxyquin therapy. JAMA. 1974;228:693-4.

5. Oakley GP Jr. The neurotoxicity of the halogenated hydroxyquinolines. A commentary. JAMA. 1973;225:395-7.

6. Idriss ZH. Letter: Diiodohydroxyquin and optic atrophy. Pediatrics. 1975;55:299.

7. Fleisher DI, Hepler RS, Landau JW. Blindness during diiodohydroxyquin (Diodoquin) therapy: a case report. Pediatrics. 1974;54:106-8.

8. Pittman FE, Westphal MC. Optic atrophy following treatment with diiodohydroxyquin. Pediatrics. 1974;54:81-3.

9. American Academy of Pediatrics Committtee on Drugs. Clioquinol (iodochlorhydroxyquin, vioform) and iodoquinol (diiodohydroxyquin): blindness and neuropathy. Pediatrics. 1990;86:797-8.

10. Committee on Drugs. Blindness and neuropathy from diiodohydroxyquin-like drugs. Pediatrics. 1974;54:378-9.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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