Diiodohydroxyquinoline (INN

International Nonproprietary Name

An International Nonproprietary Name is the official nonproprietary or generic name given to a pharmaceutical substance, as designated by the World Health Organization...

) or iodoquinol (USAN

United States Adopted Name

United States Adopted Names are unique nonproprietary names assigned to pharmaceuticals marketed in the United States. Each name is assigned by the USAN Council, which is co-sponsored by the American Medical Association , the United States Pharmacopeial Convention , and the American Pharmacists...

), widely known by the trade name Diodoquin, is a quinoline

Quinoline

Quinoline is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound. It has the formula C9H7N and is a colourless hygroscopic liquid with a strong odour. Aged samples, if exposed to light, become yellow and later brown...

 derivative which can be used in the treatment of amoebiasis

Amoebiasis

Entamebiasis is a term for the infection more commonly known as amoebiasis.It became the preferred term in MeSH in 1991, but the term amoebiasis is used by the World Health Organization and by those working in the field of amoebiasis research....

.

Iodoquinol is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal tract

The human gastrointestinal tract refers to the stomach and intestine, and sometimes to all the structures from the mouth to the anus. ....

 and is amebicidal at the site of infection. It acts by chelating ferrous ions essential for metabolism.

In the United States this medicine is sold under the names Diquinol, Yodoquinol, and Yodoxin. Yodoxin is available in 210- and 650-mg oral tablet form.

Susceptibility of Dientamoeba fragilis

Dientamoeba fragilis

Dientamoeba fragilis is a single celled parasite found in the gastrointestinal tract of some humans, pigs and gorillas. In some people it causes gastrointestinal upset while in others it does not...

has been measured.