Monograph: |
Dehydroemetine Hydrochloride
NOTE. The name DHE 45 has been used to denote a prepara-
tion of dihydroergotamine mesylate.
Dehydroemetine , a synthetic derivative of emetine, is
a tissue amoebicide with similar actions and uses. although
probably of a lower toxicity.
Dehydroemetine should be avoided in patients with cardiac.
renal, or neuromuscular disease and patients should be moni-
tored for cardiac toxicity during treatment.
When used in the treatment of amoebiasis , dehydro-
emetine hydrochloride is given by intramuscular injection in
a dose of 1 mg per kg body-weight daily, but no more than
60 mg daily, generally for up to 4 to 6 days (no more than 5
days in children). A dose of 0.5 mg per kg has been suggested
for elderly or severely ill patients. At least 6 weeks should
elapse before treatment is repeated. Following treatment with
dehydroemetine. all patients should receive a luminal amoe-
bicide to eliminate organisms from the colon. Patients with
hepatic amoebiasis may be given supplementary treatment
with chloroquine.
Liver fluke infections. Dehydroemetine has been given in
the treatment of the liver fluke infection fascioliasis, al-
though the usual treatment is with bithionol .
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