Table 5

Treatment for Entamoeba histolytica infection

Amoebic colitis113

  • Metronidazole 800 mg three times per day PO for 5 days

    OR

    Tinidazole 2 g once daily for 3 days (no longer available in UK) followed by a luminal amoebicide

  • Paromomycin 25–35 mg/kg/day in three divided doses PO for 7 days

    OR

  • Diloxanide furoate for 10 days (no longer available in UK)

Amoebic liver abscess

  • Metronidazole 800 mg three times a day orally for 5–10 days

    OR

    Tinidazole 2 g once daily for 5 days (no longer available in UK) followed by a luminal amoebicide

  • Paromomycin 25–35 mg/kg/day in three divided doses orally for 7 days

    OR

    Diloxanide furoate for 10 days (no longer available in UK)

ONLY consider drainage of ALA, if:

  • Imminent rupture

  • No clinical response after three or 4 days of medical treatment

  • Abscess diameter >10 cm

  • ALA in left lobe of liver

Extraintestinal/extrahepatic amoebiasis

  • Consult with infectious diseases team

  • ALA, amoebic liver abscess.