nitazoxanide, Alinia

What is nitazoxanide-oral 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-oral tablet?

Alinia

Is nitazoxanide-oral tablet available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

Do I need a prescription for nitazoxanide-oral tablet?

Yes

What are the uses for nitazoxanide-oral tablet?

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

What are the side effects of nitazoxanide-oral tablet?

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
• Anorexia
• Flatulence
• Constipation
• Dry mouth, thirst
• Discolored urine
• Rash
• Pruritus
• 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

What is the dosage for nitazoxanide-oral 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-oral tablet?

There are no significant drug interactions listed for nitazoxanide.

Is nitazoxanide-oral 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-oral tablet?

What preparations of nitazoxanide-oral tablet are available?

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