Drug: Nitazoxanide | Class: Antiprotozoal / Antiparasitic Antibiotic | Brand: Alinia 500mg (Romark); Nitarid 500 (Sun Pharma India), Nizonide 500mg (Lupin) | Indication: Cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, H. pylori (adjunct), Clostridium difficile (adjunct) | Dose: Adults: 500mg twice daily × 3 days (cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis)
Quick Answer — What is nitazoxanide 500mg used for?
Nitazoxanide 500mg treats protozoal intestinal infections — primarily cryptosporidiosis (particularly important in immunocompromised patients) and giardiasis (beaver fever). A 3-day course of 500mg twice daily is standard. It is one of the few drugs with proven efficacy against Cryptosporidium, which is difficult to treat with standard antibiotics. It is also used as a component in H. pylori quadruple therapy when metronidazole resistance is suspected.
Nitazoxanide 500mg – Antiprotozoal / Antiparasitic Antibiotic
Nitazoxanide 500mg contains Nitazoxanide, a antiprotozoal / antiparasitic antibiotic for cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, h. pylori (adjunct), clostridium difficile (adjunct). FDA-approved for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis; Cochrane: effective for Giardia; evidence for H. pylori quadruple therapy component.
Product Information
| Attribute |
Details |
| Generic Name |
Nitazoxanide |
| Drug Class |
Antiprotozoal / Antiparasitic Antibiotic |
| Brand Reference |
Alinia 500mg (Romark); Nitarid 500 (Sun Pharma India) |
| Indication |
Cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, H. pylori (adjunct), Clostridium difficile (adjunct) |
| Standard Dose |
Adults: 500mg twice daily × 3 days (cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis). Take with food |
| Form |
Tablet |
| Route |
Oral |
| Prescription |
Yes |
| Evidence |
FDA-approved for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis; Cochrane: effective for Giardia; evidence for H. pylori quadruple therapy component |
How It Works
Inhibits pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme disrupting anaerobic energy metabolism in protozoa and bacteria.
People Also Ask
How is nitazoxanide different from metronidazole for giardia?
Both treat giardiasis effectively. Nitazoxanide has a broader antiparasitic spectrum (also covers cryptosporidiosis, tapeworm, helminth co-infections) and avoids the alcohol interaction of metronidazole. Metronidazole remains widely used for giardia; nitazoxanide is preferred when cryptosporidiosis is the primary concern or metronidazole resistance is suspected.
Must nitazoxanide be taken with food?
Yes — food significantly improves nitazoxanide absorption. Take with meals. Administration on an empty stomach reduces plasma drug levels by approximately 45%.
Does nitazoxanide treat COVID-19?
Nitazoxanide has been investigated for COVID-19 in clinical trials, with mixed results. It is not currently recommended by WHO or major regulatory agencies for COVID-19 treatment outside clinical trial settings.
What are the side effects of nitazoxanide 500mg?
Generally well tolerated. Most common: nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache. Urine may turn yellow-orange due to drug metabolites — this is harmless and expected.
How long is nitazoxanide taken?
Standard courses: 3 days for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis. For H. pylori quadruple therapy, duration is typically 14 days alongside other antibiotics. Immunocompromised patients with cryptosporidiosis may require longer treatment.
Storage
Store at 15–30°C away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
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