Loading...
Background Nitazoxanide, a nitrothiazolyl-salicylamide derivative, was recently approved by the FDA for use in children with diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum or giardia species.
Spectrum of Action: Nitazoxanide is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent with in vitro activity against a variety of protozoa, trematodes, cestodes, nematodes, and anaerobic bacteria.
Pharmacology and Dosing: Nitazoxanide is rapidly converted in the plasma to tizoxanide, which is glucuronidated and excreted in urine and feces. A twice-daily, 3-day oral course of 100 mg for children 12 to 47 months old and 200 mg for those 4 to 11 years old has been used to treat cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis. A dosage of 500 mg, twice daily, has been used experimentally i…