Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2870

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Dunne M, Flood M, Herxheimer A.
Clioquinol: availability and instructions for use
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 1976; 2:21-29

Abstract:

Clioquinol is widely available as an over-the-counter drug for the prophylaxis and treatment of travellers’ diarrhea. Yet there is very little reliable evidence that it is effective against this disorder. Furthermore, its use has some disadvantagese and has been associated with damage to the nervous system, in particular with an epidemic of subacute myelo-optic neuropathy in Japan. An analysis of package leaflets from 83 samples obtained from 35 countries shows wide variation in the dosage, duration of treaetment, contraindications, side effects and warnings listed. We conclude that manufacturers should provide simplified and uniform instructions incorporating the most rigorous warnings currently given in some leaflets.

Keywords:
*analytic survey/developing countries/developed countries/quality of information/ clioquinol/ package inserts/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: LABELLING AND PACKAGE INSERTS/PROMOTION AND HEALTH NEEDS: PROMOTION IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES/PROMOTION AND HEALTH NEEDS: PROMOTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: PACKAGE INSERTS