Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Alinia
- Antiparasitic Agents
Description
Oral synthetic antiprotozoal agent for treatment of cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis caused by Cryptosporidium parvum or Giardia lamblia, respectively; is the first drug specifically approved for treating cryptosporidiosis; also effective in treating diarrhea due to other protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis, G. intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica.
Indications
Indicated for the treatment of infectious diarrhea and gastroenteritis, including, amebiasis, ascariasis (roundworm infection), cryptosporidiosis, cystoisosporiasis, giardiasis, microsporidiosis, and rotavirus infection.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Adverse Effects
- Headache (1%)
- Abdominal pain (8%)
- Diarrhea (2%)
- Nausea (3%)
- Chromaturia (2%)
- Vomiting (1%)
- Increased ALT
- Anorexia
- Appetite increased
- Creatinine increased
- Diaphoresis
- Dizziness
- Eye discoloration (pale yellow)
- Fever
- Flatulence
- Infection
- Malaise
- Pruritus
- Thinitis
- Salivary glands enlarged
- Urine discoloration
Warnings
Safety and efficacy not established in HIV+ or immunodeficient patients
Effects in hepatic/renal impairment unknown; use caution
Safety and efficacy of suspension in children <1 year not established
Safety and efficacy of tablets in children <12 years not established
Pregnancy and Lactation
No data with pregnant women to inform of drug-associated risk
Development and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from therapy or from underlying maternal condition
Maximum Dosage
1,000 mg/day PO per FDA-approved labeling; however, doses up to 2,000 mg/day PO have been used off-label.
1,000 mg/day PO per FDA-approved labeling; however, doses up to 2,000 mg/day PO have been used off-label.
1,000 mg/day PO per FDA-approved labeling; however, doses up to 2,000 mg/day PO have been used off-label.
12 years: 1,000 mg/day PO.
4 to 11 years: 400 mg/day PO.
1 to 3 years: 200 mg/day PO.
Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, doses up to 15 mg/kg/day PO have been used off-label.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
Nitazoxanide
tablet
- 500mg
oral suspension
- 100mg/5mL