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Overview: Nitazoxanide is used to treat diarrhea caused by certain parasites. It kills them by interfering with their ability to grow and use energy. Common side effects include stomach pain, headache, change in urine color, and nausea.

Uses

What is nitazoxanide used for?

Nitazoxanide is commonly used to treat diarrhea caused by the parasites Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.

Nitazoxanide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does nitazoxanide work (mechanism of action)?

Nitazoxanide kills certain parasites by interfering with their ability to grow and use energy. 

How is nitazoxanide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Alinia

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 mg oral tablets
  • 100 mg/5 mL oral suspension

How should I store nitazoxanide?

Oral Tablet. Nitazoxanide tablets should be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine container tightly closed when you are not using it. 

Oral Liquid. Nitazoxanide oral liquid should be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Your pharmacy will mix this medicine for you. Throw away any unused nitazoxanide oral liquid by the date provided by your pharmacy or after seven days if no date is provided.
 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nitazoxanide?

The most common side effects of nitazoxanide are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects.

  • Stomach pain
  • Headache
  • Change in color of your urine (pee)
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of nitazoxanide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of nitazoxanide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of nitazoxanide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nitazoxanide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking nitazoxanide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nitazoxanide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take nitazoxanide.

  • Nitazoxanide
  • Alinia
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nitazoxanide products they stock.

What should I know about nitazoxanide before using it?

Do not take nitazoxanide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share nitazoxanide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep nitazoxanide out of the reach of children.

Take nitazoxanide with food to make sure the medicine works.

If you are taking the oral liquid, shake the medicine container well before measuring each dose. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using nitazoxanide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if nitazoxanide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nitazoxanide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking nitazoxanide, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nitazoxanide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if nitazoxanide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take nitazoxanide while breastfeeding.
 

Interactions

Does nitazoxanide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between nitazoxanide and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between nitazoxanide and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does nitazoxanide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking warfarin, which is a blood thinner. 

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of nitazoxanide and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with nitazoxanide. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much nitazoxanide?

If you or someone else has used too much nitazoxanide, call 911 or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of nitazoxanide?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.