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.

[citation needed] Its exact mechanism is not known, but in vitro it inhibits translocation.

[1] 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.

[7] A 1980 report described the use of dehydroemetine in treatment of herpes zoster, a condition which can produce painful neurological symptoms.

The study reported patients treated with dehydroemetine experienced relief of neuralgia with no changes in cardiovascular functions.