Alinia

Generic name: Nitazoxanide
Drug class: Amebicides

Usage of Alinia

Alinia is an antiprotozoal medicine that treats infections caused by protozoa (single-cell parasites that live in moist places such as lakes, streams, and soil).

Alinia is used to treat diarrhea caused by Giardia or Cryptosporidium. These conditions are sometimes called "Traveler's diarrhea." This medicine is used in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Alinia may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Alinia side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of Alinia may include:

nausea, stomach pain;

headache; or

discolored urine.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Alinia

You should not use Alinia if you are allergic to it.

To make sure Alinia is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

liver or kidney disease;

HIV or AIDS; or

a weak immune system.

The tablet form of Alinia should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old. Children ages 1 to 11 years should use only the oral suspension (liquid) form of nitazoxanide.

Alinia is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether nitazoxanide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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How to use Alinia

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Alinia with food.

Alinia is usually taken once every 12 hours for 3 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away any unused liquid after 7 days.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Alinia

Other drugs may interact with nitazoxanide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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