Nitazide 500mg Tablets

Nitazoxanide is an antiprotozoal medicine. It is used to treat diarrhoea caused by two gut parasites:

• Giardia lamblia
• Cryptosporidium parvum

It has not been shown to work for Cryptosporidium diarrhoea in people with HIV or a weak immune system.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually as a short course.

• Take each dose with food.
• Tablets are only for people aged 12 and over. Younger children should use the liquid.
• For the liquid: it is mixed with water by the pharmacist or as the pack explains. Shake well before each dose and use a proper measuring device.
• Finish the full course, even if you feel better.

Common side effects include:

• stomach pain
• headache
• feeling sick
• yellow or discoloured pee (this is harmless)

Less often, people have diarrhoea, heartburn or dizziness.

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to nitazoxanide or any ingredient
• take warfarin or other medicines that need careful blood monitoring
• have liver or kidney problems, HIV or a weak immune system
• have diabetes or a sugar intolerance (the liquid and tablets contain sucrose)
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Store tablets and dry powder at room temperature (below 30°C). Once mixed, keep the liquid tightly closed at room temperature and throw away any left after 7 days.

Warfarin: avoid taking it with warfarin unless your doctor advises and monitors you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: there is no information on use in pregnant women and it is not known if it passes into breast milk, so ask your doctor first.

Drink plenty of fluids while you have diarrhoea, and see your doctor if it does not improve.