Nitazoxanide (By mouth)
nye-ta-ZOX-a-nide
Treats diarrhea caused by a parasite infection. The liquid medicine treats patients 1 year of age or older. The tablet form of this medicine treats patients 12 years of age or older.
Drug classes
Antiprotozoal (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Nitazoxanide belongs to a group of medicines called antiprotozoals. It is used to treat diarrhea that is caused by certain types of protozoa (tiny, one-celled animals).
This medicine is available only with your healthcare professional’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, nitazoxanide is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Intestinal parasitic infections
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Shake the bottle of medicine just before using. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
The liquid medicine is good for only 7 days after it is mixed. Throw away any liquid medicine you have left after 7 days.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are using, especially warfarin (Coumadin®).
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nitazoxanide.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to dyes or preservatives.
Use only the form of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. The liquid and tablet forms contain different amounts of medicine.
The liquid form of this medicine contains sugar. This is especially important if you or your child has diabetes.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea (either new or worse than before).
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Alinia
There may be other brand names for this medicine.