AMBIZYME TABLET

AMBIZYME TABLET belongs to a group of medications called ‘antiprotozoal agents’ used in the treatment of amoebiasis, also known as amebic dysentery. It can be used for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. It is also used to treat Balantidiasis. Amebiasis, or amebic dysentery, is an intestinal disease caused by the protozoal organism called ‘Entamoeba histolytica’. On the other hand, Balantidiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the protozoa, ‘Balantidium coli’.

AMBIZYME TABLET contains ‘Diiodohydroxyquinoline’ that acts against intestinal (lumen) amoeba that forms cysts. The intestine poorly absorbs AMBIZYME TABLET and so remains in the intestine at a very high concentration. It interferes with the enzymes required for the amoeba's survival in the intestine and forms iron chelate (complex compound), thereby killing amoeba cells and destroying their outer cell wall (cyst) layer. Besides this, it also enhances zinc absorption in the intestine and forms complex chelate of zinc ions, which also help destroy amoeba cells. 

Take AMBIZYME TABLET as prescribed by the doctor. Sometimes, AMBIZYME TABLET may cause common side effects such as vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, skin itchiness, fever, chills, headache, dizziness and an enlarged thyroid. These side effects are mild and temporary and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist, contact a doctor.  

Do not take AMBIZYME TABLET if you are allergic to ‘iodine’, ‘diiodohydroxyquinoline’, or any other ingredients present in it. Before taking AMBIZYME TABLET, inform your doctor if you have thyroid problems, as this medicine contains iodine and may interfere with some thyroid tests. Taking a higher dose of AMBIZYME TABLET by people with optic neuropathy can cause a severe optic neuritis condition. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are taking prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbal products or dietary supplements.

AMBIZYME TABLET contains 'diiodohydroxyquinoline', which is antiprotozoal and amebicidal in nature. It acts against growing amoeba, which survives in our intestines and causes diarrhoea. AMBIZYME TABLET forms a chelate or complex compound of iron and zinc in the intestine, which interferes with amoeba working, and thus these protozoa get killed. It is also used in the treatment of balantidiasis, bacterial and fungal infections.

• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Skin itchiness
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Dizziness
• An enlarged thyroid 

Do not take AMBIZYME TABLET if you are allergic to ‘diiodohydroxyquinoline’, ‘iodine’ or any ingredients present in it. Also, it should not be used in patients with liver failure, kidney failure, and chronic diarrhoea, especially in children. It should be used with caution in patients with thyroid problems and neurological disorders (diseases associated with the brain and spinal cord). It is also not recommended for long-term use.

Drug-Drug Interactions: AMBIZYME TABLET interacts with Iodine containing medicines. 

Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects.

Drug-Disease Interactions: AMBIZYME TABLET should be used with caution in patients with thyroid problems, liver failure, and optic neuropathy (an eye disease).

• IODINE
• LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM
• THYROXINE
• THYROXINE SODIUM

• If you have diarrhoea, try to drink appropriate amounts of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• If you have minor diarrhoea (less than four stools daily), drinking caffeine-free soft drinks, juices or sport rehydration drinks can be sufficient.
• If the diarrhoea is more severe, specially formulated rehydration drinks should be taken.

• If you have major diarrhoea, it is advisable to drink appropriate amounts of fluids or water to avoid dehydration. If you have minor diarrhoea (i.e. less than four stools daily), try to include caffeine-free soft drinks, juices or sport rehydration drinks. If the diarrhoea is more severe, specially formulated rehydration drinks should be taken. Do not take plenty of fluid if you are a kidney patient. Consult your doctor immediately.
• Do not take AMBIZYME TABLET if you are allergic to iodine or iodine-containing products like shrimp. 

Amoebic dysentery: It is an intestinal (bowel) illness caused by a parasite (amoeba) known as Entamoeba histolytica spread through human faeces (poop). Usually, there are no symptoms, but, sometimes, it causes diarrhoea (loose stool/poop), nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach) and weight loss.

Balantidiasis: It is the inflammation of the large intestine (colon) caused by Balantidium coli. Symptoms include chronic diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain and weight loss.