Indications
Zoxanid is used to treat diarrhoea caused by the parasites Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Nitazoxanide is a synthetic antiprotozoal medicine taken by mouth. It is thought to work by interfering with an enzyme reaction called Pyruvate Ferredoxin Oxido Reductase (PFOR)-dependent electron transfer, which the parasite relies on for energy production in the absence of oxygen. In laboratory studies, Nitazoxanide and its active metabolite, tizoxanide, have been shown to stop the growth of Cryptosporidium parvum (at its sporozoite and oocyst stages) and Giardia lamblia (at its trophozoite stage).
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Nitazoxanide falls under US FDA pregnancy category B. That said, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies don't always predict how a medicine will act in humans, so Nitazoxanide should be used during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed.
Nitazoxanide has been shown to pass into human milk. Because of this, take care when it is given to a woman who is breastfeeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.