The
quinoline derivative diiodohydroxyquinoline (
INN), or iodoquinol (
USAN), brand name Diodoquin, can be used in the treatment of
amoebiasis.
It is poorly absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract
The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract, digestive tract, alimentary canal) is the tract or passageway of the Digestion, digestive system that leads from the mouth to the anus. The tract is the largest of the body's systems, after the cardiovascula ...
and is used as a luminal amebicide. It acts by
chelation of
ferrous ions essential for metabolism.
It was discovered by Adco Co. and introduced as ''diiodohydroxyquinoline''.
Susceptibility of ''
Dientamoeba fragilis'' has been measured.
Iodoquinol is an amebicide used against ''
Entamoeba histolytica'', and it is active against both
cyst and trophozoites that are localized in the lumen of the intestine. It is considered the drug of choice for treating asymptomatic or moderate forms of amebiasis. The full mechanism of action is unknown. Iodoquinol is used for diseases caused by moderate intestinal amebiasis.
Diiodohydroxyquinoline enhances zinc absorption in the zinc deficiency disorder
acrodermatitis enteropathica, probably because it acts as a zinc
ionophore.
See also
*
Ionophore
References
{{Excavata antiparasitics
Iodoarenes
Quinolinols