Entamaxin Capsules (Metronidazole & Diloxanide Furoate)

Description

How to use

One capsule three times a day for ten days, which is what this pack of thirty provides, or exactly as prescribed. Take each capsule after food with a full glass of water; food reduces the nausea and metallic taste substantially over a course this long. Swallow whole and stay upright for a few minutes. Space the doses evenly rather than clustering them. Complete all thirty capsules even though you will feel entirely well from around day three, because the second half of the course is what prevents relapse.

Important warnings

No alcohol during the course or for at least 48 hours after the last capsule, in any form including alcohol-containing tonics, syrups and mouthwashes. Over a ten-day course this is a substantial commitment and people forget; the reaction causes flushing, throbbing headache, vomiting and palpitations. Tell your prescriber about liver disease, epilepsy, blood disorders, or existing numbness and tingling. Longer metronidazole courses raise the risk of peripheral neuropathy, so report new numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet promptly. Avoid in the first trimester of pregnancy unless prescribed. Metronidazole interacts with warfarin, lithium, phenytoin and disulfiram.

Storage

Store below 25 degrees Celsius in a dry place, away from light, moisture and heat, and out of reach of children. Keep the capsules in their blister or original container until each dose. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack. If the course has to be interrupted, speak to the pharmacist rather than saving the remainder and restarting later, since a partially treated amoebiasis leaves cyst carriage untouched.