Generic
Nitazoxanide
77 brands available in the market
At a glance
Nitazoxanide is an antiparasitic medication used for diarrhea and worm infections. It inhibits pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme to interfere with anaerobic metabolism of parasites.
Description
Nitazoxanide is a synthetic antiprotozoal agent. Its antiprotozoal activity is believed to be interference with the PFOR enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction essential for anaerobic energy metabolism of protozoa. Nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide inhibit growth of Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoites and oocysts and Giardia lamblia trophozoites in vitro.
Indications
- Diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum
- Diarrhea caused by Giardia lamblia
- Diarrhea caused by Entamoeba histolytica
Therapeutic class
Anti-diarrhoeal Antiprotozoal
Pharmacological class
Antiprotozoal
Pharmacology
Nitazoxanide interferes with PFOR enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction to block anaerobic energy metabolism of parasites, inhibiting parasite growth.
Mechanism of action
Treats diarrhea and worm infections by blocking parasite energy metabolism.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Giardiasis/Cryptosporidiosis: 500 mg every 12 hours for 3 days
Pediatric Dose:
- 1-3 years: 100 mg (5 ml) every 12 hours for 3 days
- 4-11 years: 200 mg (10 ml) every 12 hours for 3 days
- 12 years+: 500 mg every 12 hours for 3 days
Administration
- Take with food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Nausea
- Anorexia
- Flatulence
- Dizziness
- Abnormal liver function tests
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in hepatic & biliary disease
- Caution in renal disease
- Caution during pregnancy and lactation
- Caution while driving (may cause dizziness and drowsiness)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
Drug interactions
- May interact with highly protein-bound drugs (e.g. warfarin)
Food interactions
Safety with alcohol not known; consult doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Nitazoxanide is safe during pregnancy (Category B); animal studies show low or no adverse effects.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Nitazoxanide is excreted in human milk; caution during breastfeeding; monitor baby for diarrhea.
Pediatric use
Dose established for children 1-3 years, 4-11 years and 12 years+.
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose adjustment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information available; consult doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available; consult doctor.
Overdose effects
Limited information on overdose; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a dry place, away from light and heat; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Nitazoxanide