idometrol tablet (Di-iodohydroxyquinoline 300 mg): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Blurred vision, loss of vision, or changes in colour vision.
- Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hands or feet.
- Swelling in the neck, unexplained fatigue, weight change, or palpitations that may suggest thyroid problems.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea, black stools, or vomiting blood.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe right upper abdominal pain.
- A widespread rash, blistering, or peeling skin.
- Persistent high fever or worsening abdominal pain despite treatment.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is idometrol tablet used for?
This medicine contains Di-iodohydroxyquinoline 300 mg, an oral luminal amoebicide used to treat intestinal amoebiasis and amoebic cyst carriage. It works mainly inside the bowel, so it is often combined with other medicines for invasive disease. Take it exactly as prescribed, complete the full course, and avoid alcohol. Report vision changes, numbness, or neck swelling to your doctor promptly.
- Generic Name: Di-iodohydroxyquinoline (300mg)
- Manufacturer: Befam Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 idometrol tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा डाई-आयोडोहाइड्रॉक्सीक्विनोलिन 300 मिलीग्राम की बनी हुई है और मुख्य रूप से आंतों में होने वाले अमीबियासिस (अमीबा संक्रमण) के इलाज के लिए दी जाती है। यह आंतों में अमीबा परजीवी को खत्म करने में मदद करती है, जिससे दस्त, पेट में ऐंठन, म्यूकस वाला दस्त और बार-बार शौच जाने जैसी शिकायतें कम होती हैं। कुछ मामलों में यह अमीबा के सिस्ट (अंडे जैसे रूप) को भी साफ करने के लिए दी जाती है, ताकि संक्रमण दूसरों तक न फैले। यह दवा मुख्य रूप से आंत में काम करती है, इसलिए अगर संक्रमण लिवर या शरीर के अन्य हिस्सों में फैला हो तो डॉक्टर इसके साथ अन्य दवाएं भी दे सकते हैं। इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना शुरू या बंद न करें, और पूरा कोर्स जरूर पूरा करें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आमतौर पर यह दवा सही खुराक में लेने पर अच्छी तरह सहन की जाती है। कुछ लोगों को जी मिचलाना, पेट में हल्की तकलीफ, भूख कम लगना, हल्का दस्त, सिरदर्द या मुंह में धातु जैसा स्वाद महसूस हो सकता है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव कम होते हैं, लेकिन लंबे समय तक या ज्यादा खुराक लेने पर हाथ-पैरों में झनझनाहट, सुन्नपन या कमजोरी, धुंधली दृष्टि या रंग देखने में बदलाव, और थायरॉइड (गले की ग्रंथि) से जुड़ी समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। कभी-कभी त्वचा पर दाने, खुजली या गंभीर एलर्जी भी हो सकती है। अगर आपको दृष्टि में बदलाव, लगातार झनझनाहट, गले में सूजन, सांस लेने में तकलीफ या गंभीर त्वचा प्रतिक्रिया दिखे, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर द्वारा बताई गई खुराक और अवधि के अनुसार ही लें। इसे पानी के साथ पूरा निगलें, चबाएं या तोड़ें नहीं, जब तक डॉक्टर या फार्मासिस्ट ऐसा करने को न कहें। अगर पेट में तकलीफ हो तो इसे भोजन के साथ लें। शराब न पिएं, क्योंकि इससे पेट की जलन, चक्कर और दस्त बढ़ सकते हैं। लक्षण ठीक होने पर भी कोर्स बीच में न छोड़ें, वरना संक्रमण फिर लौट सकता है। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी दवाओं, सप्लीमेंट्स और हर्बल उत्पादों के बारे में बताएं, खासकर थायरॉइड की दवाएं और खून पतला करने वाली दवाएं। लिवर या किडनी की बीमारी हो तो डॉक्टर को जरूर बताएं। दवा को ठंडी, सूखी जगह पर मूल डिब्बे में रखें और बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 idometrol tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Intestinal amoebiasis","description":"Used to treat infection of the large intestine caused by Entamoeba histolytica, helping to clear parasites and relieve diarrhoea, cramps, and mucus in the stool.","evidence":"Established for luminal amoebic infection when used as part of appropriate therapy."},{"condition":"Asymptomatic amoebic cyst carriage","description":"May be used to clear amoebic cysts from the bowel in people who carry the parasite without symptoms, reducing the risk of spread to others.","evidence":"Established as a luminal amoebicide in public health and clinical practice."},{"condition":"Non-dysenteric intestinal amoebiasis","description":"Used in milder intestinal amoebic disease where a luminal agent is considered appropriate by the treating clinician.","evidence":"Established in combination with other amoebicidal therapy depending on severity."}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Other intestinal protozoal infections","description":"Occasionally considered by specialists for selected intestinal protozoal infections when standard options are unsuitable.","evidence":"Limited and specialist-dependent."},{"condition":"Chronic non-specific diarrhoea in selected patients","description":"Rarely used in some settings for persistent diarrhoea thought to have an infectious or parasitic component, but this is not a standard approved use.","evidence":"Limited."}]
Primary treatment for: Intestinal amoebiasis
Also treats: Asymptomatic amoebic cyst carriage, Non-dysenteric intestinal amoebiasis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Di-iodohydroxyquinoline (300mg) |
| Brand Name | idometrol tablet |
| Manufacturer | Befam Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store the tablets at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 30°C, in a dry place. Keep them in the original container with the lid tightly closed, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Do not store them in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | Refer to the expiry date printed on the pack. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date, and do not use them if the packaging is damaged or the tablets look discoloured or crumbled. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. Treatment guidelines for amoebiasis vary by region and are updated over time; follow the advice of your local clinician and public health authority. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. Follow the advice of your treating clinician and any applicable national or state guidance for amoebiasis. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Di-iodohydroxyquinoline is a halogenated hydroxyquinoline that acts mainly within the intestinal lumen. It is thought to interfere with essential enzyme systems and metal-dependent processes in susceptible protozoa and bacteria, disrupting their energy production and nucleic acid function. This leads to impaired growth and death of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites and cysts in the bowel. Because the medicine is poorly absorbed from the gut, its main action is local, which helps target intestinal parasites while limiting systemic exposure. It is not considered a tissue amoebicide, so it does not reliably treat amoebic liver abscess or other invasive disease outside the bowel.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take idometrol tablet
Strength: Immediate-release tablet containing Di-iodohydroxyquinoline 300 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one 300 mg tablet taken by mouth, often two or three times a day, but the exact dose and duration depend on the infection being treated, its severity, and the patient's liver and kidney function. Some clinicians use a higher daily dose for a short period in certain intestinal amoebic infections. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not change the dose or extend the course on your own, and complete the full duration prescribed even if you feel better. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. This medicine is generally not recommended for infants and young children unless a specialist has clearly advised it, because of the risk of neurological and thyroid effects. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults may be more sensitive to the neurological and thyroid effects of this medicine, especially if they have reduced liver or kidney function or take other medicines. The dose should be individualized by a qualified clinician, and thyroid function and neurological symptoms should be monitored more closely during treatment. |
| Renal Impairment | Patients with severe kidney disease should avoid this medicine unless a specialist advises otherwise. For mild to moderate kidney impairment, the dose and duration should be individualized by a qualified clinician, and kidney function may need to be checked before and during treatment. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Patients with severe liver disease should avoid this medicine unless a specialist advises otherwise. For mild to moderate liver impairment, the dose and duration should be individualized by a qualified clinician, and liver function may need to be checked before and during treatment. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not firmly established from the available information and depends on the indication, the patient's age, and liver and kidney function. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of idometrol tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Thyroid medicines | Major | |
| Other antibiotics or antiprotozoals | Moderate | |
| Laxatives | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Iron supplements | Minor | |
| Calcium supplements | Minor | |
| Alcohol | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other iodine-containing products or thyroid medicines
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Other antibiotics or antiprotozoals
- Laxatives
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine. It can increase the risk of stomach upset, nausea, and dizziness, and it can worsen dehydration if you already have diarrhoea from the infection. Alcohol may also put extra strain on the liver, which is best avoided when you are recovering from an infection and taking any medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy or hypersensitivity to di-iodohydroxyquinoline or other hydroxyquinoline medicines.","Severe liver disease.","Severe kidney disease.","Pre-existing optic neuritis or other significant eye disease affecting the optic nerve.","Infants and young children, unless a specialist has clearly advised use.","Thyroid disease that could be worsened by an iodine-containing medicine, unless a specialist advises otherwise.","Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless a qualified clinician decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Use this medicine only under the supervision of a qualified clinician and complete the full prescribed course.","Avoid prolonged or repeated courses because iodine accumulation can affect the thyroid and because neurological side effects are more likely with long-term use.","Tell your doctor if you have thyroid disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or any eye problems before starting this medicine.","Report numbness, tingling, weakness, or vision changes immediately, as these may be signs of nerve or eye toxicity.","Avoid alcohol during treatment to reduce stomach upset and dizziness.","Do not share this medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms.","Keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your response and monitor for side effects.","Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether di-iodohydroxyquinoline passes into breast milk in amounts that could affect a nursing infant. Because the medicine contains iodine and safety data are limited, breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using this medicine, and the doctor may recommend an alternative or advise temporary interruption of breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine is not well described in the available information. If someone takes too much, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital. Treatment is supportive and may include monitoring of vital signs, observation for neurological or thyroid effects, and management of any symptoms that develop. Do not try to make yourself vomit unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so. Take the medicine container or prescription with you to the hospital so the medical team knows exactly what was taken.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, provided it is not almost time for your next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, with or without food, but taking it with a meal may reduce stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it unless your doctor or pharmacist says it is fine to do so. Complete the full course even if your symptoms improve after a few days, because stopping early can allow the infection to return. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can worsen stomach irritation and dizziness. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take, especially thyroid medicines, anticoagulants, and other antibiotics. Keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your response and watch for side effects. If you have liver or kidney problems, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or choose a different medicine. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. Store the tablets in their original container, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight, and keep them out of reach of children. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may be more likely to develop neurological side effects such as numbness, tingling, or weakness, and thyroid problems from the iodine content of this medicine. They may also have reduced liver or kidney function, which can affect how the medicine is handled. The dose and duration should be individualized by a qualified clinician, and thyroid function, neurological symptoms, and vision should be monitored more closely during treatment.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are trying to conceive or planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Safety in pregnancy is not well established, and the medicine contains iodine. Your doctor may recommend an alternative treatment or delay treatment until after pregnancy, depending on your situation. Do not start or stop this medicine on your own if you are planning a pregnancy.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently had surgery, tell your surgeon and anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine. There is no specific established interaction with surgery from the available information, but your medical team should know about all medicines you take. If you have diarrhoea or dehydration after surgery, seek medical advice before continuing the medicine.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. There is no specific established interaction with dental work from the available information, but your dentist should know about all medicines you take. If you have a dry mouth, metallic taste, or stomach upset, mention it to your dentist, and continue good oral hygiene.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Light activity such as walking is usually fine if you feel well, but avoid strenuous exercise while you have diarrhoea, cramps, or fatigue, because dehydration and weakness can worsen. Drink extra fluids if you exercise, and return to your normal routine gradually as your symptoms settle. If you feel dizzy, weak, or short of breath, stop exercising and seek medical advice.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
Most people can continue their usual daily activities while taking this medicine, but if you feel dizzy, weak, or have frequent diarrhoea, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel better. Take extra breaks and stay hydrated at work. If your job involves handling food, tell your employer and follow local health advice, because amoebiasis can spread to others through contaminated food or water. Follow good hand hygiene at all times.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop this medicine only when your doctor tells you the course is complete, or earlier if your doctor advises it because of side effects. Do not stop on your own just because you feel better, as the infection may return. Seek medical advice before stopping if you develop vision changes, numbness or tingling, neck swelling, severe skin reactions, or difficulty breathing. If you have completed the course but symptoms persist or return, contact your doctor for further evaluation.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term or repeated use of this medicine is not recommended because it contains iodine and can lead to iodine accumulation, thyroid enlargement, or thyroid dysfunction. Prolonged use also increases the risk of peripheral neuropathy with numbness, tingling, or weakness, and rarely optic neuritis with vision changes. If a longer course is unavoidable, your doctor should monitor thyroid function, neurological symptoms, and vision, and review the need for continued treatment regularly. Do not use this medicine for longer than prescribed without medical supervision.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Medicines such as diloxanide furoate or paromomycin may be used to clear amoebic cysts from the bowel when this medicine is not suitable.
Evidence: Established in clinical practice for luminal amoebic infection.Medicines such as metronidazole or tinidazole are used for invasive amoebiasis and are often combined with a luminal agent.
Evidence: Established for invasive amoebic disease.Preventing reinfection through clean water, hand washing, and safe food handling is essential alongside any medicine.
Evidence: Well-established public health measure.💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There is no specific vaccine interaction established for this medicine from the available information. If you are due for any vaccine, tell the healthcare professional that you are taking this medicine. If you have a fever or are unwell with diarrhoea, your doctor may advise delaying vaccination until you have recovered.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 30°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the refrigerator unless the label says to do so.
✅ DO
Keep the tablets in the original container with the lid tightly closed.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer them to unmarked containers or mix them with other medicines.
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or on a sunny windowsill.
✅ DO
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date or if the tablets look discoloured or damaged.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling, carry this medicine in its original labelled container along with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor. Keep it in your hand luggage so it stays with you and does not get lost or exposed to extreme temperatures in checked baggage. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you are crossing time zones, keep taking the medicine at the intervals your doctor advised; you may need to adjust the timing gradually, so ask your pharmacist for advice before you travel. Check the customs rules of your destination country for prescription medicines, and carry only the amount you need for your trip plus a small extra supply in case of delays. If you have diarrhoea while travelling, stay well hydrated and seek medical help if symptoms are severe or bloody.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Some people notice improvement in diarrhoea and cramps within a few days, but the full effect depends on completing the prescribed course. Do not stop early even if you feel better.
A: Yes, you can take it with food if it upsets your stomach. Food may reduce nausea and abdominal discomfort without significantly affecting how well the medicine works in the bowel.
A: If you remember before half the dosing interval has passed, take the missed dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once.
A: Safety in pregnancy is not well established, and the medicine contains iodine. Use it during pregnancy only if a qualified clinician decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
A: It is best to avoid alcohol during treatment because it can worsen stomach upset, dizziness, and dehydration.
A: Because it contains iodine, prolonged or high-dose use can affect thyroid function. Tell your doctor if you have thyroid disease, and report neck swelling, fatigue, weight change, or palpitations.
A: Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. This medicine is generally not recommended for infants and young children unless a specialist advises it.
A: Watch for vision changes, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, neck swelling, severe skin reactions, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical help immediately if any of these occur.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure any type of diarrhoea.
Fact: This medicine is used for specific intestinal parasitic infections such as amoebiasis. It is not a general treatment for all causes of diarrhoea, and using it incorrectly can delay the right treatment. - Myth: You can stop this medicine as soon as you feel better.
Fact: Stopping early can allow the infection to return and may increase the risk of spreading it to others. Always complete the full course prescribed by your doctor. - Myth: This medicine is completely safe for long-term use.
Fact: Prolonged or repeated use can lead to iodine accumulation, thyroid problems, and nerve or eye side effects. It should be used only for the duration advised by your clinician. - Myth: This medicine works for amoebic liver abscess on its own.
Fact: This medicine acts mainly in the bowel and is not a tissue amoebicide. Invasive amoebiasis such as liver abscess needs other medicines chosen by your doctor.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Di-iodohydroxyquinoline 300 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- idometrol tablet