Metronidazole / Diloxanide / Dicyclomine

Brands Available

Contamizole®, Concepts Africa
Entamaxin®, Sphinx Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Tridazole®, Oss-Chemie (K) Ltd


MODE OF ACTION:
Metronidazole is antimicrobial drug with high activity against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa.The mode of action involves reduction by bacterial ‘nitroreductases’ to an unstable intermidiate which interacts with DNA,effectively preventing further replication.
Diloxanide Furoate a dichloroacetamide derivative,is a luminal amoebicide acting principally in bowel lumen.
Dicyclomine Hydrochloride is an antispasmodic and anticholinergic agent. It relieves smooth muscle spasm of gastrointestinal tract.This action is achieved via the dual mechanism.A specific anticholinergic effect at acetylcholine-receptor sites and a direct effect upon smooth muscles


INDICATIONS:

Metronidazole is used for the treatment of acute intestinal amoebiasis, amoebic dysentery and amoebic abscesses of the liver.
Diloxanide furoate is used as a primary agent in treatment of asymptomatic ( cyst passers ) intestinal amoebiasis caused by entamoeba histolytica.
Dicyclomine Hydrochloride is used for symptomatic relief of gastro-intestinal disorders charecterized by smooth muscle spasms.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

This combination is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity of any of its components or excipients.

PRECAUTIONS:

Doses should be reduced in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
This combination should be avoided during pregnancy and this caution applies especially to use during the first trimester and to the use of high dose regiments.
Patients are advised not to drink alcoholic beverages while taking this drug
This drug should not be given to infants younger than 6 months of age

ADVERSE EFFECTS:

Side effects that occur occasionally include nausea,vomiting,flatulence,urticaria and pruritus.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

When given with alcohol, metronidazole may provoke disulfiram-like reaction in some patients.
Acute psychoses or confusion have been associated with the use of metronidazole and disulfiram together.
The reduction in gastric motility caused by dicyclomine may affect absorption of other drugs.

Clinical | Pharmacokinetic data


Pregnancy Category:
Routes of Administration: By mouth
Bioavailability:
Protein Binding: Not Available
Metabolosim: Not Available
Onset of Action:
Elimination Half life: Not Available
Excretion: Not Available

Legal Status | Dosage forms & Strengths


Prescription Category:
Prescription only Medicine (POM) , ℞-only
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control ) Act Schedule:
This drug is not a controlled substance under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control ) Act
Dosage Forms | Strengths:


Drug Indentifiers:



Drug Images

References/ Citation:

  • Gupta, Y. K.; Gupta, Madhur; Aneja, S.; Kohli, K. (January 2004). “Current drug therapy of protozoal diarrhoea”. The Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 71 (1): 55–58.