NITAZOXANIDE: A REVIEW OF ITS USE IN THE TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTIONS

Nitazoxanide is a new thiazolide antiparasitic agent. Nitazoxanide (AliniaR, DaxonR, DexidexR, ParamixR, KidonaxR, ColufaseR, AnnitaR) has in vitro activity against a variety of microorganisms, including a broad range of protozoa and helminths. Nitazoxanide is effective in the treatment of protozoal and helminthic infections, including Cryptosporidium parvum or Giardia lamblia, in immunocompetent adults and children, and is generally well tolerated. Nitazoxanide is a firstline choice for the treatment of illness caused by C. parvum or G. lamblia infection in immunocompetent adults and children, and is an option to be considered in the treatment of illnesses caused by other protozoa and/or helminths. Nitazoxanide has been licensed for the treatment of Giardia intestinalis–induced diarrhea in patients 1 year of age and Cryptosporidum-induced diarrhea in children aged 1–11 years.