Nitazoxanide (Nizonide) 500 mg tablet is  an antiparasitic medication used to treat diarrhea caused by intestinal protozoans, namely Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia. It is also an anti-helminthic used to treat intestinal worms, such as Ascaris, Trichuris trichura, Taenia saginata, and Hymenolepis nana. 

What does Nitazoxanide (Nizonide) 500mg contain?

This drug contains 500mg of Nitazoxanide, a broad-spectrum anti-infective drug that targets a wide range of extracellular and intracellular protozoa, helminths, bacteria, in addition to viruses. 

How does Nitazoxanide (Nizonide) 500mg work?

Nizonide works by inhibiting substances needed for the metabolism of parasites, thereby modulating their survival, growth, and proliferation. It is the only US FDA approved drug for treatment of Cryptosporidium infection. It is also approved for the treatment of infections due to Giardia intestinalis in patients >1 year of age. It may have a role in treating metronidazole resistant giardiasis.

Who cannot take Nitazoxanide (Nizonide) 500mg?

The only contraindication to the use of this drug is when you have an allergy to the drug.

How should you take Nitazoxanide (Nizonide) 500mg?

It should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. You may view Additional Information tab for recommended doses.

Do not take more of this medicine and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. 

Do not stop taking this medicine even if you feel better until the doctor’s advice is finished. Your symptoms may improve, but the infection is not cured completely, increasing your risk of resistance.

This medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To keep blood levels constant, take this medicine at the same time each day and do not miss any doses. It should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. 

What if you miss a dose?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What if you take too much?

 If you’ve taken more than your prescribed dose and you feel unwell, seek medical help immediately.

What are the side effects of Nitazoxanide (Nizonide) 500mg?

It is a very safe drug to use across all age groups with no significant serious adverse effects reported. The adverse effects reported were mainly :

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Itchiness
• Pale yellow sclera
• Harmless greenish discolored urine.

They do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. If these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.

What other precautions should be taken?

Children

Tablet form of this drug is not recommended for children below 12 years old. Children aged one and older may use the suspension form. Dose will vary depending on the weight.

Elderly

There are no age-specific contraindications for this drug in the geriatric population. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medicine.

Pregnancy

There are limited studies on how this drug affects pregnancy. However, it may be used if benefits outweigh the risks.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Tell your doctor, so s/he may weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication.

Drug-Disease Interactions

This drug should be taken with caution for patients with HIV, weakened immune system, kidney disease, and liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have these conditions.

Drug-Drug Interactions

This drug may interact with the following drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking these.

• Blood thinners (warfarin)
• Anxiety-treating medications (lorazepam)
• Medications used to treat fits (valproic acid)

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Driving

Because it can cause dizziness, do not drive or operate machinery after taking this drug.

Diet and Lifestyle

You can eat and drink normally while on this medication.

How should you store Nitazoxanide (Nizonide) 500mg?

Keep this medication out of child’s reach and sight. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep your pills in their original package; do not move them to another container. Then, take this drug no later than the expiry date listed on the tablet and packaging after EXP. The expiration date is the final day of that month. Lastly, do not dispose of pharmaceuticals in wastewater or household garbage. Inquire with your pharmacist about how to dispose of expired medications.

Quick Tips

• Take this drug at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses.
• Do not stop taking this medicine even if you feel better until the doctor’s advice is finished. Your symptoms may improve, but the infection is not cured completely, increasing your risk of resistance.

What company produces Nitazoxanide (Nizonide) 500mg?