✕

Download the Practo app for free

Get Rs. 200 HealthCash
Download the app now
✔ Book instant appointments 24x7
✔ Bookmark doctors for quick access
✔ Consult online with a doctor in 60s
✕
Free ₹200 worth HealthCash on app
Use HealthCash to order medicines, health products & much more
Get App
0

Nitazoxanide

Get ₹200 healthcash on app

Use HealthCash to order medicines & much more

Description

Nitazoxanide is used orally for the treatment of diarrhoea caused by parasites/protozoa. Parasites are the micro-organisms that live in other's bodies and use their body's nutrients to reproduce. This medicine interferes with their energy production and effectively kills the parasites (Giardia and Cryptosporidium species). Nitazoxanide comes in tablet and suspension forms and is used in both children and adults. The common side effects of Nitazoxanide use are nausea, vomiting, headache, urine discolouration and stomach pain. Usually, these side effects are self-resolving, but consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen. Avoid taking this medicine if you are allergic to it and discontinue if you experience any allergic reaction (skin rash, swelling of face, lips, tongue, etc.). Nitazoxanide may make you feel dizzy and sleepy. It is recommended not to drive or operate a machine if you feel dizzy or sleepy after taking this medicine. Avoid alcohol consumption while you are on Nitazoxanide treatment as it can aggravate dizziness. Preferably take Nitazoxanide with food to provide better absorption and to avoid an upset stomach. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of this medicine based on the severity of the infection. Ensure to complete the course and avoid doubling the dose in case a dose is missed. Stopping it early may increase your risk of further infection. To make sure Nitazoxanide is safe for you, share your entire medical and medication history with your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding. This information is critical as it can help your doctor to plan the overall treatment and make dose adjustments if required.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effectsConcernsUsage

How will this medicine affect me?

Consult top doctors online and get an answer now.
Consult now

Looking for a doctor?

Book an appointment with the top doctors near you
Book now

Should you be taking this medicine?

Consult with a Doctor for the best diagnosis.

Looking for a doctor?

Book an appointment with the top doctors near you

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Nitazoxanide

Stomach pain

Nausea and vomiting

Headache

Dizziness

Urine discoloration

Skin rash and itching

Uses of Nitazoxanide

What is it prescribed for?

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is characterized by abnormally loose or watery stools more than 3 times a day. Protozoa are suspected as the cause when diarrhoea lasts for more than 7 days. Nitazoxanide is used to kill these micro-organisms and thus treats diarrhoea.
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action

    Nitazoxanide starts showing its effect in 1-2 hours after taking it orally. However, it may take few days to make you feel better.

  • Duration of effect

    The amount of time for which Nitazoxanide remains active in your body is not known.

  • Safe with alcohol?

    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

  • Is it habit forming?

    Nitazoxanide has no habit-forming tendency.

  • Usage in pregnancy?

    Nitazoxanide should not be used only after consulting your doctor if you are pregnant. The suspension form of Nitazoxanide is generally meant for child use.

  • Usage while breast-feeding?

    It is not known whether Nitazoxanide passes into breast milk or not. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while taking this medicine to ensure the safety of the infant. The suspension form of Nitazoxanide is generally meant for child use.

Allergy

Avoid taking Nitazoxanide if you are allergic to it. Seek an immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Nitazoxanide should not be used only after consulting your doctor if you are pregnant. The suspension form of Nitazoxanide is generally meant for child use.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether Nitazoxanide passes into breast milk or not. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while taking this medicine to ensure the safety of the infant. The suspension form of Nitazoxanide is generally meant for child use.

General warnings

Liver impairment

Nitazoxanide gets converted into its active form in your liver. An impaired liver cannot convert this medicine properly and accumulation of this medicine takes place in your liver. This accumulation may worsen your liver condition.

Kidney impairment

Nitazoxanide is excreted by kidneys. An impaired kidney cannot filter out this medicine properly and accumulation of this medicine takes place in kidneys. This accumulation can worsen your kidney condition.

Use in children

Nitazoxanide is not recommended for use in children below 1-year of age because the safety and efficacy have not been clinically established.

Missed Dose

If you have missed Nitazoxanide dose, make sure that you remember to take the next dose on time. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Overdose

It is advisable not to take Nitazoxanide more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the emergency department of your local hospital.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Interaction with Medicine

Valproic Acid

Lorazepam

Phenytoin

Warfarin

Disease interactions

Diabetes

Nitazoxanide should be used with caution in diabetes (presence of high blood sugar level) because it contains sucrose (sugar). Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary while taking this medicine.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Take Nitazoxanide with food to avoid an upset stomach. To replenish the lost salts and water due to diarrhoea, take ORS and plenty of fluids. Do not skip doses and finish the prescribed course, even if you start feeling better. Stopping it early may increase the risk of further infection. Discontinue Nitazoxanide and inform your doctor immediately if you develop a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or has difficulty in breathing. Never save the medicine for future illnesses because its effectiveness in future infections cannot be guaranteed. Never share the medicines as it causes harm unless prescribed.

Miscelleneous

To be taken with food

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works

Nitazoxanide interferes with the energy production of the parasites/protozoa and prevents its growth that causes diarrhoea.

Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Unknown

Unknown

Classification

Category

Anti-parasitic Agents, Antiprotozoals

Schedule

Schedule H

Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Nitazoxanide. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 20 August 2021].

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/41684>

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 20 August 2021].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/021818lbl.pdf>

Drugs, H., 2021. Nitazoxanide: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 20 August 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603017.html>

Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - ALINIA- nitazoxanide tabletALINIA- nitazoxanide powder, for suspension. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 20 August 2021].

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=56b1575a-dff4-4c5a-a159-2f858e7a0cb8>
Something doesn’t feel right?
Report an error

Information on this page was last updated on 24 Aug 2021

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.