Nitazoxanide

Dosage Forms Available

• Nitazoxanide can be taken orally (tablet or suspension).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Nitazoxanide can be given to adults, and children aged 1 year and above.

Contraindications

• Nitazoxanide is contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to any of the components in its formulation.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Nitazoxanide may interact with medicines that are highly plasma protein-bound (like warfarin and phenytoin), anti-diabetic medicines (like sulfonylureas), and immunosuppressants (such as tacrolimus).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Nitazoxanide may lead to persistent gastrointestinal disturbances and neurological effects. Immediate medical attention is warranted in case of overdose.

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is close to the timing of the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor. Here are some tips that could help manage milder side effects:

• For headaches, try resting and sipping water.

• Try taking this medicine with or after a meal or snack for nausea.

• For abdominal pain or diarrhoea, drink plenty of fluids to replace any loss through diarrhoea.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Nitazoxanide may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy after taking this medicine, do not drive or use any tools or machines until you feel better.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Nitazoxanide should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. Consult your doctor before using during breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution should be exercised when administering Nitazoxanide to patients with hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment.

• Dose adjustment may be necessary for these patients.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing diarrhoea.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly before eating and after using the toilet, to prevent spreading parasitic infections.

• Regularly clean bathrooms and kitchens, as these are places where parasites can survive.