Home Drug Guide Clioquinol

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Clioquinol

Brand Names Vaginol

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiprotozoal and Antifungal agent

Pharmacological: Ionophore with antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of intestinal amoebiasis, bacterial infections, and other protozoal infections; off-label uses include topical antifungal applications

Mechanism of Action

Clioquinol acts by disrupting the enzyme systems of microorganisms and protozoa, impairing vital functions leading to cell death. It also has metal-chelating properties that inhibit oxidative enzymes.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 300 mg orally three times daily for intestinal infections. Duration depends on the infection type.

Pediatric: Dosing varies with age and weight; should be guided by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric: Adjust dosage based on renal and hepatic function.

Renal Impairment: Use cautiously; possible dose reduction required.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor liver function.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Moderate oral absorption, varies among individuals.

Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues, crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Metabolized partially in the liver.

Excretion: Primarily excreted via the urine.

Half Life: Approximately 4-6 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to clioquinol or related compounds.
  • History of neurological disorders.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with neurological disorders, renal impairment, or hepatic impairment. Monitor for neurotoxicity. Avoid in pregnancy and lactation unless benefits outweigh risks.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (Common)
  • Headache, dizziness (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Neurological toxicity, including optic neuropathy and ataxia (Rare)
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances (Common (when overdosed))

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Potential metal interactions with chelators, other neurotoxic agents.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions documented.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Limited data; consult healthcare provider about herbal supplements.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor neurological status, renal and hepatic functions.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for neurotoxicity
  • Risk for gastrointestinal disturbances

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, monitor for adverse effects, and educate patient.

Evaluation: Assess effectiveness, monitor for adverse reactions, and adjust dose as needed.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Report any neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, dizziness, or weakness.
  • Follow up on liver and kidney function tests.
  • Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic substances.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Neurological toxicity; use caution.

Genetic Factors: None specifically documented.

Lab Test Interference: May interfere with certain laboratory tests, use caution when interpreting results.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe neurological symptoms, gastrointestinal distress.

Treatment: Supportive care; no specific antidote. Prompt removal of drug via activated charcoal if within suitable time frame.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions for up to 2 years.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.