Nitazoxanide is an artificial antiprotozoal agent for oral administration. This is considered the first drug to treat cryptosporidium and effective in treating diarrhea. This is an FDA-approved medication that comes as a 500 mg tablet.

What condition does Nitazoxanide treat?

Nitazoxanide is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium or Giardia. This type of condition is sometimes known as Traveler’s diarrhea that may be also caused by a certain parasite infection of the intestines. This medication is used in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

This prescription is also an antibiotic that is used to treat many parasitic worm infections. The medicine stops the further growth of parasites that causes the infection. Nitazoxanide usually makes you feel better quite quickly. 

How does Nitazoxanide work?

Nitazoxanide stops the development of protozoa that causes diarrhea. The action of this medicine is thought to be because of interfering with the pyruvate which is a ferredoxin oxidoreductase enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction. It is important to anaerobic energy breakdown. Specialists have obtained that the PFOR enzyme from Giardia lamblia directly reduces the drug. It does this by transferring electrons in the nonappearance of ferredoxin. The DNA-derived PFOR protein structure of Cryptosporidium parvum seems to be related to that of Giardia lamblia. As a result, it helps treat diarrhea and relieves frequent loose motions. It also helps you to stay well by preventing them from coming back.

 What is the dosage of Nitazoxanide?

Nitazoxanide is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. Each tablet is usually taken every 12 hours for 3 days and can be taken either with food as directed by your doctor. Don’t forget to take it in the same way and at the same time each day. Follow the instructions of your doctor very carefully for the best benefit from the drug.

Regarding the use of this medicine in children, you need to talk to your pediatrician. Precautions do apply if this is prescribed in children as young as 12 years old for certain conditions.

The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to it. You should not take more or less than the prescription. Take the medicine until the full prescription is done or even if you feel well. Do not skip doses or suddenly stop taking this medicine too soon. If you think you have taken too much of this drug, contact your doctor right away or call for emergency medical help. Let your doctor know if your condition gets worse or does not improve. 

What are the precautions in using Nitazoxanide?

Allergies:

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this drug or any other medicines, it is very important to let your doctor know. If you have any other types of allergies, inform also your doctor.

Breastfeeding:

There is no clear study on how this drug may affect you during breastfeeding. However, you need to consult your doctor before taking a dose of this medicine and breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

Even though certain medications are not recommended to be used together at all, in other circumstances two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose or other precautions may be needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medicine.

Other Interactions:

Certain medications must not be used for eating certain types of food since interactions might befall. Using tobacco or alcohol with certain medications may also cause interactions to happen. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medicine with tobacco, alcohol, or food.

Other Medical Problems:

Having certain medical problems might affect the use of this medication. You need to make sure that you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• A weak immune system such as HIV or AIDS

 Side Effects:

Accompanied by its needed effects, a drug might cause some unwanted effects. Even though not all of these side effects might occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Abdominal or stomach pain