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- What is nitazoxanide tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the uses for nitazoxanide tablet?
- What are the side effects of nitazoxanide tablet?
- What is the dosage for nitazoxanide tablet?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with nitazoxanide tablet?
- Is nitazoxanide tablet safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about nitazoxanide tablet?
What is nitazoxanide tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- 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
What are the side effects of nitazoxanide tablet?
Common side effects of nitazoxanide include:
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

SLIDESHOW
Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart Attack See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for nitazoxanide tablet?
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.
Which drugs or supplements interact with nitazoxanide tablet?
There are no significant drug interactions listed for nitazoxanide.
Is nitazoxanide tablet safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
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 else should I know about nitazoxanide tablet?
What preparations of nitazoxanide tablet are available?
Tablet: 500 mg; Oral suspension: 100 mg/5 ml
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Summary
Nitazoxanide (Alinia) kills two types of bacteria that cause diarrhea: Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum. The drug works by interfering with the bacteria's ability to produce energy.
Related Disease Conditions
-
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, or parasite infection, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and drugs. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.
-
Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal disease caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, fever, weight loss, dehydration, and weight loss. Antibiotics are used in the treatment of cyptosporidiosis.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness

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