nitazoxanide - oral suspension, Alinia

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: Shake the bottle well before each dose. Take this medication by mouth every 12 hours for 3 days with food, or as directed by your doctor.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: This medication is generally well tolerated when taken as directed.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious 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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking nitazoxanide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.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).This oral suspension contains sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Consult the doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this medication.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.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use.Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by the doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.Remember to drink plenty of fluids to keep from becoming dehydrated from your diarrhea. Do not replace fluids with non-pasteurized milk or juices. If you are not sure of the right kinds of fluids to drink, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Also, avoid eating uncooked meats, eggs, or shellfish.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Discard any unused medication after 7 days.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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