Nitazoxanide is a synthetic antiprotozoal agent for oral administration. The antiprotozoal activity of Nitazoxanide is believed to be interference with the Pyruvate Ferredoxin Oxido Reductase (PFOR) enzyme-dependant electron transfer reaction. This reaction is essential for anaerobic energy metabolism of the protozoa. Nitazoxanide and its metabolites, tizoxanid are active in vitro in inhibiting the growth of sporozoites and oocyst of Cryptosporidium parvum and trophozoites of Giardia lamblia.

Nitazoxanide is indicated for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica.

Age 1-3 years: 1 tea-spoonfull or 5 ml suspension every 12 hours for 3 days.

Age 4-11 years: 2 tea-spoonfulls or 10 ml suspension every 12 hours for 3 days.

Age 12 years or above: 5 tea-spoonfulls (25 ml) suspension or 1 tablet every 12 hours for 3 days.

It is recommended to be administered with food.

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Nitazoxanide or any components of the preparation.

The most frequent side effects, reported by Nitazoxanide are abdominal pain, vomiting and headache. These side effects are typically mild and transient in nature. Very rare side effects include- nausea, anorexia, flatulence, increased appetite, enlarged salivary glands, increased creatinine & SGPT level, pruritus, rhinitis, sweating, dizziness, discolored urine etc.

Nitazoxanide must be administered with caution to patients with hepatic & biliary disease and to patients with renal disease.

Pregnancy & Lactation

US FDA pregnancy category of Nitazoxanide is B. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nitazoxanide have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Nitazoxanide is administered during lactation.