Nitazoxanide for giardiasis

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
nitazoxanide	Alinia

How It Works

The exact way this medicine kills the giardia parasite is not known. The medicine may interfere with the metabolism of the parasite, causing its death.

Why It Is Used

Nitazoxanide is approved to treat giardiasis in children and adults.

How Well It Works

Early studies indicate nitazoxanide is at least as effective as metronidazole, a medicine commonly used to treat giardiasis.¹

Side Effects

The frequency of side effects from taking nitazoxanide was no greater than that caused by a placebo. The most common side effects were:

• Belly pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Headache.

Some people also developed yellowing of the whites of the eyes while taking the medicine, but this went away soon after the people stopped taking the medicine.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Nitazoxanide also is effective in treating infections with the parasite Cryptosporidium.

Nitazoxanide is a liquid (not a pill), so it is easier for some people to take.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: October 16, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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