Nitazoxanide

Generic name: Nitazoxanide
Brand names: Alinia
Drug class: Amebicides

Usage of Nitazoxanide

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

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

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

Nitazoxanide 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 nitazoxanide 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 Nitazoxanide

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

    To make sure nitazoxanide 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 nitazoxanide 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.

    Nitazoxanide 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 Nitazoxanide

    Usual Adult Dose for Cryptosporidiosis:

    500 mg orally every 12 hours for 3 daysUse: For the treatment of diarrhea due to Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum

    Usual Adult Dose for Giardiasis:

    500 mg orally every 12 hours for 3 daysUse: For the treatment of diarrhea due to Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Cryptosporidiosis:

    1 to 3 years: 100 mg orally every 12 hours4 to 11 years: 200 mg orally every 12 hours12 years or older: 500 mg orally every 12 hoursDuration of Therapy: 3 daysUse: For the treatment of diarrhea due to G lamblia or C parvum

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Giardiasis:

    1 to 3 years: 100 mg orally every 12 hours4 to 11 years: 200 mg orally every 12 hours12 years or older: 500 mg orally every 12 hoursDuration of Therapy: 3 daysUse: For the treatment of diarrhea due to G lamblia or C parvum

    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 Nitazoxanide

    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.

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