GENERIC NAME: NITAZOXANIDE - ORAL TABLET (nih-tah-ZOX-ah-nide)
BRAND NAME(S): Alinia
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat diarrhea due to certain intestinal parasitic infections (i.e., Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth every 12 hours for 3 days with food, or as directed by the doctor. Children less than 11 years of age should not take these tablets. Instead, they should take nitazoxanide suspension. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few doses. Stopping this medication too early may allow the parasites to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve.
SIDE EFFECTS: A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking nitazoxanide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, weak immune system (e.g., HIV infection). Do not take over-the-counter medications to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Diarrhea - Read the causes of diarrhea including infections, parasites, food poisoning, medications, IBS, IBD, cancer, endocrine disease, fat malabsorption, laxative abuse and more.
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