Nitazoxanide
About Nitazoxanide
Nitazoxanide is a prescription medication used to treat diarrhoea caused by specific microscopic parasites, such as Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia duodenalis. By targeting these parasites in the digestive tract, this medicine helps resolve gastrointestinal infections and restore normal bowel function. It is commonly prescribed for both adults and children who have contracted these parasitic infections.
To get the best results, you must take Nitazoxanide consistently at the same times each day for the full duration of your prescription. Always take this medicine with food, as eating a meal helps your body absorb the active medicine properly. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating plain, easy-to-digest foods during your treatment can also support your recovery and protect against dehydration.
While taking Nitazoxanide, some people may experience mild side effects, such as a mild upset stomach or temporary changes in urine colour. These effects are usually harmless and go away once the treatment is finished. However, if you experience serious symptoms like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction, you should contact your doctor right away.
Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a weakened immune system. Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to Nitazoxanide or any of the inactive ingredients in this formulation. It is important to review your health history with a healthcare professional to ensure this medication is safe for you.
Because the active ingredient in Nitazoxanide is highly bound to proteins in your blood, it may interact with other highly protein-bound medications, such as certain blood thinners. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing health conditions as an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to weigh the benefits and risks before starting treatment.
Uses of Nitazoxanide
• Treats diarrhoea: Nitazoxanide is effective in managing diarrhoea caused by protozoal infections.
• Provides a broad-spectrum antiparasitic effect: Nitazoxanide targets intestinal parasites and is useful in treating gastrointestinal infections linked to contaminated food or water.
Medicinal Benefits
Nitazoxanide offers several clinical benefits that help you recover from uncomfortable gastrointestinal infections:
- Resolves diarrhoea: By directly targeting the source of the infection, it stops the parasites from multiplying, allowing your digestive tract to heal.
- Prevents dehydration: Stopping watery diarrhoea quickly helps your body retain essential fluids, minerals, and nutrients.
- Convenient short course: The treatment is usually completed in just a few days, helping you return to your normal daily routine quickly.
Directions for Use
- Nitazoxanide is usually taken with food, or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Swallow Nitazoxanide as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Nitazoxanide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach, nausea, or mild abdominal pain
- Headache
- Bright yellow or greenish discolouration of the urine (this is harmless and temporary)
- Discolouration of the white part of the eyes
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
- Severe or worsening dizziness
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes that does not go away after stopping the medication
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Complete the Full Course: Always finish the entire course of Nitazoxanide prescribed by your doctor, even if your diarrhoea stops sooner. Stopping early may allow the infection to return.
- Take with Food: Always take this medicine with a meal or a snack; taking it on an empty stomach can significantly reduce how much medicine your body absorbs.
- Measure the Liquid Form Correctly: If you are taking the liquid suspension, do not use a standard kitchen spoon to measure your dose, as this can lead to taking the wrong amount. Always use a proper medical dosing syringe or cup.
- Inform Your Doctor if You Have Diabetes: Inform your pharmacist if you have diabetes, as some liquid formulations of this medicine contain a significant amount of sucrose (sugar).
Monitor Your Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms closely. If your diarrhoea does not improve after three days of starting this medication, contact your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Nitazoxanide may interact with certain medicines, affecting how well they work or increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines you are taking, including:
- Blood Thinners (like Warfarin): Because the active salt is highly bound to plasma proteins, taking it alongside blood thinners may compete for binding sites, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Your doctor may need to monitor your blood clotting times more closely.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol consumption may worsen the side effects of Nitazoxanide, like dizziness. It is better to avoid alcohol while you are being treated with Nitazoxanide.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of this medication in pregnant women. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionNitazoxanide is excreted into the breast milk while used by a breastfeeding mother. Please consult your doctor before taking Nitazoxanide if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience any dizziness while using Nitazoxanide.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available regarding the use of Nitazoxanide in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the Nitazoxanide if you have a history of liver disease or condition. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionLimited information was available regarding the use of Nitazoxanide in patients with kidney disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the Nitazoxanide if you have a history of kidney disease or condition. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionNitazoxanide is not recommended for children less than one year of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
To support your recovery from a parasitic diarrhoeal infection, consider the following evidence-based tips:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions, to replace lost water and electrolytes.
- Eat plain foods: Stick to simple, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) until your stomach settles.
- Avoid stomach irritants: Limit dairy products, high-fat foods, spicy dishes, caffeine, and alcohol, as these can make diarrhoea worse.
- Practise strict hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the restroom and before preparing or eating food to prevent reinfection.
Avoid recreational water: Do not swim in public pools, lakes, or water parks for at least two weeks after your diarrhoea stops to prevent spreading the parasite to others.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diarrhoea is a condition that causes the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. It is caused by bacteria (campylobacter and Escherichia coli), viruses (norovirus or rotavirus), and parasites in contaminated food and water. Acute diarrhoea is a common problem and generally lasts for one to two days, whereas chronic diarrhoea lasts for four weeks or longer. Diarrhoea can be due to an infection, antibiotics, a disease (inflammatory bowel disease), and other medicines.
FAQs
Nitazoxanide is used to treat diarrhoea caused by parasite infections of the intestines (Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia). It also treats protozoa infections caused by single-cell parasites that thrive in moist environments, such as lakes, streams, and soil.
Nitazoxanide contains Nitazoxanide. It is an antiprotozoal and antiviral drug that inhibits the production of chemical substances required for energy metabolism and growth of parasites, thus treating diarrhoea.
Please let your doctor know if you have a history of allergic reactions to medicines, liver or kidney diseases, asthma, weakened immune system, and diabetes before starting Nitazoxanide.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow your usual dosage.
Do not stop using Nitazoxanide even if you feel better until the doctor's advised course is finished. Your symptoms may improve, but the infection may not be cured completely.
Intake of probiotics, prebiotics, and plenty of fluids is recommended if you are suffering from diarrhoea.
Take Nitazoxanide with food at the same time daily as advised by the doctor.
Nitazoxanide contains Nitazoxanide, which belongs to the class of medications called antiprotozoal agents.
Nitazoxanide may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, hair loss, dizziness, giddiness, and headache. Most of these side effects of Nitazoxanide do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. If these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Yes, Nitazoxanide is effective if taken as advised by the doctor for the prescribed duration.
Yes, Nitazoxanide may cause dizziness in some cases. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery unless you are alert.
Nitazoxanide is contraindicated in people who are allergic to any of its components. Let the doctor know if you have asthma, HIV, liver or kidney problems.
Store Nitazoxanide at room temperature, in a dry place. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.
Yes, Nitazoxanide is safe if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.
you should always take Nitazoxanide with food. Taking this medication with a meal helps your body absorb the active drug properly, making the treatment much more effective. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what foods to eat with your dose.
The active ingredient in Nitazoxanide can cause your urine to turn a bright yellow or greenish colour. This is a common, harmless, and temporary side effect that will go away once you finish your course of treatment. Talk to your doctor if you experience any pain or burning when urinating.
No, Nitazoxanide is an antiprotozoal medicine designed to treat infections caused by specific parasites. It does not treat viral infections like the common stomach flu or bacterial infections. Using this medicine when it is not needed can make it less effective for future infections, so talk to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
There is limited clinical data on the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor will evaluate whether the benefits of treatment outweigh any potential risks to your baby. Talk to your doctor before starting this medication if you are pregnant.
If your child vomits shortly after taking a dose, do not give them another dose right away. Contact your paediatrician or pharmacist for specific instructions on whether to repeat the dose or adjust the schedule. Talk to your doctor if the vomiting continues.
While there is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and this medicine, alcohol can irritate your digestive tract and worsen diarrhoea, dehydration, and dizziness. It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol until you have fully recovered from your gastrointestinal infection. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
No, Nitazoxanide is specifically approved to treat diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia duodenalis. It may not be effective against other types of parasites or bacteria. Talk to your doctor, who can perform tests to identify the specific cause of your diarrhoea and prescribe the correct treatment.
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