Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Community data Updated 2 months ago

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

US FDA pregnancy category of Nitazoxanide is B. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nitazoxanide have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Nitazoxanide is administered during lactation.

⚠️ 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.

Adults: Age 1-3 years: 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) of the suspension every 12 hours for 3 days. Age 4-11 years: 2 teaspoonfuls (10 ml) of the suspension every 12 hours for 3 days. Age 12 years and above: 5 teaspoonfuls (25 ml) of the suspension, or 1 tablet, every 12 hours for 3 days. It is recommended to take each dose with food.