Nitazoxanide

Nitazoxanide is a medicine that fights infections caused by protozoa, which are single-cell parasites that can be found in wet environments like lakes, streams, and soil.

Nitazoxanide is used to treat diarrhea caused by Giardia or Cryptosporidium. These infections are sometimes referred to as "traveler's diarrhea." Nitazoxanide can be given to adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Nitazoxanide may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take nitazoxanide with food.

Nitazoxanide is usually taken once every 12 hours for 3 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away any unused liquid after 7 days.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package.

• Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

You should not use nitazoxanide if you are allergic to it.

To make sure nitazoxanide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;
• HIV or AIDS; or
• a weak immune system.

The tablet form of nitazoxanide should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old. Children ages 1 to 11 years should use only the oral suspension (liquid) form of nitazoxanide.

Nitazoxanide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether nitazoxanide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of nitazoxanide may include:

• nausea, stomach pain;
• headache; or
• discolored urine.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Cryptosporidiosis:

500 mg orally every 12 hours for 3 daysUse: For the treatment of diarrhea due to Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum

Usual Adult Dose for Giardiasis:

500 mg orally every 12 hours for 3 daysUse: For the treatment of diarrhea due to Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cryptosporidiosis:

1 to 3 years: 100 mg orally every 12 hours4 to 11 years: 200 mg orally every 12 hours12 years or older: 500 mg orally every 12 hoursDuration of Therapy: 3 daysUse: For the treatment of diarrhea due to G lamblia or C parvum

Usual Pediatric Dose for Giardiasis:

1 to 3 years: 100 mg orally every 12 hours4 to 11 years: 200 mg orally every 12 hours12 years or older: 500 mg orally every 12 hoursDuration of Therapy: 3 daysUse: For the treatment of diarrhea due to G lamblia or C parvum

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Other drugs may interact with nitazoxanide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform all your health care providers about all the medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.