Entamizole tablet is used to treat a variety of infections caused by bacteria and parasites. It is a combination of antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication that can provide powerful treatments against various forms of intestinal infection, including:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Helicobacter pylori Infection
- Acute or Chronic Amoebiasis
- Hepatic Amoebiasis
- Systemic Diseases due to E. histolytica, and Giardiasis
- Dental Infections
Off-label Uses of Entamizole Tablet
- Treatment of other parasitic infections: Entamizole tablets have been shown to be effective against a variety of other parasitic infections, such as trichomoniasis, balantidiasis, and dracunculiasis.
- Prevention of traveler’s diarrhea: Entamizole tablets may be used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea in people who are traveling to areas with high rates of diarrheal illness.
What is Entamizole?
Entamizole is one of the leading brands with a combination of Diloxanide and Metronidazole, manufactured and marketed by Abbott Laboratories.
- Diloxanide Uses:
It is an antibiotic that is used to treat protozoal infections in the intestines. It helps to inhibit the growth of certain parasites within the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for increased nutrient absorption and a reduction in symptoms associated with these types of infection including diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Diloxanide can be highly effective against amebic dysentery and giardiasis (two common types of intestinal infection caused by protozoa). - Metronidazole Uses:
It is an antiprotozoal drug used to treat intestinal infections caused by bacteria or parasites. It helps to kill off certain bacteria that cause such conditions, while also reducing inflammation in affected areas. Metronidazole has been found to be highly effective against Giardia lamblia – one type of single-celled parasite commonly found in contaminated water sources – as well as Helicobacter pylori – a bacterium responsible for causing stomach ulcers. Metronidazole can also help reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although it is not considered to be an ideal long-term solution for treating this condition.
Entamizole Alternatives : Other Similar Brands
The following are some alternative brands of Entamizole and their manufacturers.
- Flagyl Plus : Sanofi Aventis (Pakistan) Ltd.
- Zolen : Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
- Metodine DF : Searle Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
- Entametox : Epla Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
- Zolodine : Ideal Pharmaceutical Industries, Pakistan.
- G Zole ; Olive Laboratories, Pakistan.
- Diloxamet : Mediceena Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
- Loxon : Bloom Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
- Amebazole : Geofman Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
- Metrolox : Medicraft Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
Entamizole : Available Formulations and Strengths
Presently, Entamizole is available in Tablet and Syrup forms
Entamizole Tablet : Diloxanide 250mg and Metronidazole 200mg strengths
Entamizole DS Tablet : Diloxanide 500mg and Metronidazole 400mg strengths
Entamizole Syrup : Diloxanide 125mg/5ml and Metronidazole 100mg/5ml strengths
Who Should Not Use Entamizole?
Despite the benefits of Entamizole uses, there are some contraindications to consider when using either Entamizole:
Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Entamizole or its ingredients (diloxanide or metronidazole) should not use this medication.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: The safety of Entamizole during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. These medications should be used with caution or avoided altogether, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for individualized advice.
Blood disorders: Entamizole can rarely affect blood cells, leading to disorders such as leukopenia (low white blood cell count) or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Individuals with pre-existing blood disorders or a history of blood disorders should exercise caution when using Entamizole.
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders: Metronidazole, one of the components of Entamizole, can cause neurological side effects such as peripheral neuropathy or seizures. Individuals with pre-existing CNS disorders or a history of seizures should use this combination with caution.
Liver dysfunction: Entamizole is primarily metabolized in the liver. Individuals with liver dysfunction or a history of liver disease may require dosage adjustments or closer monitoring when using this medicine.
Alcohol consumption: Entamizole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when combined with alcohol. This reaction can result in symptoms such as flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to avoid alcohol consumption while using this medication and for a period of time after treatment is completed.
What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Entamizole?
Adults: 2 tablets Entamizole or 1 tablet Entamizole DS or 10-20 ml suspension three times a day for 5 days.
Children: 5 to 12 years, Half to one tablet Entamizole or 5 to 10 ml suspension three times a day for 5 days
Children: 1 to 5 years, 5 ml suspension three times a day for 5 days.
In severe or refractory cases, the therapy can be continued for 10 days in adults and children over the age of 12 years.
How Entamizole Works?
Entamizole works by inhibiting the growth of protozoa or bacteria by interfering with protein formation.
Diloxanide works to defuse the trophozoites of E. histolytica that eventually form into cysts. The cysts are then excreted by persons infected with asymptomatic amebiasis.
Metronidazole inhibits protein synthesis by interacting with DNA, killing the cells of susceptible organisms.
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