Blindness and Neuropathy From Diiodohydroxyquin-Like Drugs

The halogenated hydroxyquinolines can cause serious, permanent neuropathy. Optic atrophy, causing permanent blindness, is the most commonly reported neuropathy in children. In young children, the onset of neuropathy is insidious and hard to diagnose. We, therefore, recommend that these drugs not be used in children, with two possible exceptions: the treatment of the asymptomatic cyst passer of E. histolytica in a person not living in an endemic area and the treatment of acrodermatitis enteropathica. If used, parents should be informed of the possible toxicity. Parents, child, and physician should diligently search for the first indication of neuropathy. These drugs are contraindicated in the treatment of nonspecific, chronic diarrhea, and "traveler's diarrhea."