nitazoxanide (Alinia)

• Nitazoxanide is an oral medication that prevents growth of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.
• Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum are protozoans that cause diarrhea.
• Nitazoxanide works by interfering with the conversion of chemicals to energy in protozoal cells.
• The FDA approved nitazoxanide on July 21, 2004.

What brand names are available for nitazoxanide tablet?

Alinia

Is nitazoxanide tablet available as a generic drug?

No

Do I need a prescription for nitazoxanide tablet?

Yes

Nitazoxanide is used for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum.

Common side effects of nitazoxanide include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Headaches

Other side effects of nitazoxanide include:

• Asthenia (weakness)
• Fever
• Pain
• Allergic reaction
• Chills
• Flu syndrome
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Tremor
• Vomiting
• Dyspepsia (upset stomach)
• Anorexia
• Flatulence
• Constipation
• Dry mouth, thirst
• Discolored urine
• Rash
• Pruritus (itching)
• Eye discoloration
• Ear ache
• Bleeding form the nose (epistaxis)
• Muscle pain
• Leg cramps

Diabetic patients and caregivers should be aware that the oral suspension of nitazoxanide contains 1.48 grams of sucrose per 5 mL.

Nitazoxanide should not be used by patients who are allergic to nitazoxanide or any other ingredient in the formulation.

Possible serious side effects of nitazoxanide include:

• Lung disease
• Pharyngitis
• Fast heart beat
• Fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Painful urination
• Painful or no menstruation
• Kidney pain
• Anemia
• Increased white blood cells
• Spontaneous bone fracture

The recommended dose for treating diarrhea caused by Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum in children 1 to 11 years of age is 5 to 10 ml every 12 hours with food for 3 days. Patients 12 years of age or older are treated with 500 mg (1 tablet) or 25 ml every 12 hours with food for 3 days.

There are no significant drug interactions listed for nitazoxanide.

Nitazoxanide has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women.

It is not known whether nitazoxanide is excreted in human milk.

STORAGE: Nitazoxanide should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

What preparations of nitazoxanide tablet are available?

Tablet: 500 mg; Oral suspension: 100 mg/5 ml