Dehydroemetine is a synthetically produced antiprotozoal agent similar to emetine in its anti-amoebic properties and structure (they differ only in a double bond next to the ethyl substituent), but it produces fewer side effects. In the United States, it is manufactured by Roche.

Mechanism

Its exact mechanism is not known, but in vitro it inhibits translocation.

Uses

It was at one-time, but is no longer distributed by the Center for Disease Control on a compassionate use basis as an investigational drug for the treatment of metronidazole-resistant amoebiasis.

Amoebic infections

Some examples of the use of dehydroemetine in the treatment of amoebic infections include:

In other diseases

A 2020 in-vitro study found dehydroemetine to be effective in malaria. A 1980 report described the use of dehydroemetine in treatment of herpes zoster, a condition which can produce painful neurological symptoms. The study involved 40 patients, all of whom were over 60, and compared dehydroemetine treatment to another drug. The study reported patients treated with dehydroemetine experienced relief of neuralgia with no changes in cardiovascular functions. Dehydroemetine has been investigated as a treatment for Leishmania infection.