Key facts
- Nitazoxanide is an antiprotozoal medicine.
- It is used to treat diarrhea caused by Giardia lamblia (in adults and children over 1 year) and Cryptosporidium parvum (in non-immunocompromised children and adults).
- It is prescription-only in the United States, unlicensed in the United Kingdom, and access in Australia is subject to regulatory restrictions.
Some of the Nitazoxanide brands we stock at Prashi Pharma are listed below.
Nitazoxanide brands and prices
| Brand | Strength | Form | Price from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitazox 500 mg Winlife Pharma | 500 mg | Tablet | $165.00 90 Tablets | View |
What is nitazoxanide?
Nitazoxanide is an antiprotozoal medication and is the first-choice treatment option for diarrhea caused by the parasites Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum [1].
This medication is commonly prescribed for both adults and children who have contracted these parasitic infections.
The brand name of Nitazoxanide in the United States (US) is Alinia. In the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, it is not commercially licensed or marketed [2].
How nitazoxanide works
Nitazoxanide is a versatile agent with a multi-faceted mechanism of action. Its antiparasitic effect comes from blocking the PFOR enzyme, which the parasites need to produce energy. In laboratory studies it has also shown antiviral effects, such as inhibition of viral protein glycosylation, modulation of host cell signaling pathways and enhancement of the immune response. Research into these wider uses is ongoing, and they are not approved uses of the medicine.
What is nitazoxanide used for?
Nitazoxanide is used for the treatment of diarrhea caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum (cryptosporidiosis) in adults and children. It is also used to treat intestinal infection (giardiasis) caused by Giardia lamblia (or Giardia duodenalis) in patients usually 1 year of age and older [3].
Nitazoxanide has also been studied for some parasitic worm (helminth) infections, such as roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and tapeworms. These are not approved uses, and a doctor will decide if it is suitable.
Dosage strengths and forms
Our product range includes: Nitazox 500mg (Nitazoxanide).
Dosage information for adults
The recommended dosage of Nitazoxanide depends on the health condition. The usual adult doses are:
| Condition | Usual adult dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptosporidiosis | 500 mg orally every 12 hours | 3 days |
| Giardiasis | 500 mg orally every 12 hours | 3 days |
Dosage information for children
The usual pediatric dose is the same for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis:
| Age | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 years | 100 mg orally every 12 hours | 3 days |
| 4 to 11 years | 200 mg orally every 12 hours | 3 days |
| 12 years or older | 500 mg orally every 12 hours | 3 days |
How to take nitazoxanide
- Take Nitazoxanide with food.
- Take the dosage prescribed by your doctor for your health condition.
- Complete the full course of this medication even if your symptoms start improving. Consult with a healthcare professional before stopping this medication.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Avoid taking a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as it can cause adverse effects.
Overdose
If you take more than your prescribed dose and experience severe adverse effects, seek emergency medical care.
Seek emergency medical help if you think you have taken too much.
- USCall 911
- UKNHS 111 or 999
- AU13 11 26 Poisons Information or 000
Side effects
Common side effects
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Change in urine colour
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Hives
Get help if you experience
- Severe allergic reactions such as severe itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Liver or biliary issues, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) that does not go away after stopping the medication, or elevated liver enzymes
- Severe neurological or systemic symptoms, such as worsening dizziness, fainting or unusual confusion
- Blood abnormalities, which are rare and include anemia or low white blood cells (leukopenia) that present as unusual tiredness, pale skin or increased infections
These are not all the side effects of Nitazoxanide. Read the leaflet that came with your medicine carefully, and report side effects to the US FDA through the FDA MedWatch Program, in the UK through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, or in Australia to the TGA.
Who should avoid nitazoxanide?
- Avoid using Nitazoxanide if you have a history of hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction to nitazoxanide.
- Children under 1 year of age should avoid taking Nitazoxanide.
- People with a weakened immune system (such as HIV/AIDS): nitazoxanide has not been shown to work for cryptosporidiosis diarrhea in these patients, so a doctor must decide whether it is suitable.
- Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as it can have potential risks to an unborn baby or nursing infant.
- People with liver or kidney disease should use this medication with caution.
Possible interactions
Some medicines do not mix well with Nitazoxanide. This includes:
- Warfarin
- Immunosuppressants / CAR-T cell therapies (such as axicabtagene ciloleucel, brexucabtagene autoleucel, ciltacabtagene autoleucel, idecabtagene vicleucel, lisocabtagene maraleucel)
- Baricitinib
- Diabetes medications (such as glipizide, glyburide)
- Bumetanide
Food
Take nitazoxanide with food for proper absorption and effectiveness.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol, as it can irritate the digestive tract and worsen side effects like upset stomach or dizziness.
Nitazoxanide vs metronidazole/tinidazole
| Feature | Nitazoxanide | Metronidazole | Tinidazole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Thiazolide | Nitroimidazole | Nitroimidazole |
| Primary uses | Giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis (approved); also used for amebiasis, dwarf tapeworm and ascariasis in some countries | Amebiasis, T. vaginalis, anaerobic bacterial infections, BV, H. pylori | Trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV), giardiasis, amebiasis |
| Duration | Usually 3 days (twice daily) | Often 5 to 7 days (multiple doses daily) | Often single-dose or 2–5 days for BV |
Nitazoxanide in the US, UK and Australia
United States
- Brand names
- Alinia
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Regulator
- FDA
United Kingdom
- Brand names
- Not licensed
- How it is supplied
- Unlicensed
- Regulator
- MHRA
Australia
- Brand names
- Not registered
- How it is supplied
- Unregistered (Special Access only)
- Regulator
- TGA
How to order nitazoxanide online with a prescription
Prashi Pharma is an India-based pharmaceutical supply platform delivering quality medications at affordable prices. Below are the steps to order nitazoxanide online with a prescription:
- Choose the dosage on your prescription that matches your medical condition.
- Upload the prescription that your healthcare professional provided for medical review.
- Our registered pharmacists will review your valid prescription and the medical information provided.
- After the review, our team will process the discreet dispatch of your package. You will receive a confirmation email after the dispatch.
How to order · Prescription policy · Shipping policy