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Nitazoxanide: Uses,Dosage,Side Effects

Generic Name
Nitazoxanide
Therapeutic Class: Anti-diarrhoeal Antiprotozoal

Indications:
Nitazoxanide is indicated for the treatment of 
  • Diarrhea caused by Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum,
  • Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica.
  • Amebiasis and helminth infections
Description:
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 the 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.

Dosage & Administration:
Age 1-3 years: 1 teaspoonful or 5 ml suspension every 12 hours for 3 days.
Age 4-11 years: 2 teaspoonfuls or 10 ml suspension every 12 hours for 3 days.
Age 12 years or above: 5 tea-spoonfuls (25 ml) suspension or 1 tablet every 12 hours for 3 days.

It is recommended to be administered with food.

Interaction:
It is highly bound to plasma protein. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering Nitazoxanide concurrently with other high plasma protein-bound drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.

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

Side Effects:

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.

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 has been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Nitazoxanide is administered during lactation.

Precautions & Warnings:

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

Storage:
Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

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