Nitazoxanide, Oral

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is taken by mouth to treat diarrhea caused by certain intestinal parasites. Take it exactly as directed.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiprotozoal (treats infections caused by protozoa)

Generic and brand names: nitazoxanide, oral; Alinia Oral Suspension; Alinia Tablets

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat diarrhea caused by certain intestinal parasites (protozoa).

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• A weakened immune system from cancer treatment, diseases such as HIV/AIDS, or from taking steroid medicines or medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection
• Diabetes, because the liquid medicine contains sugar (sucrose)
• Gallbladder problems
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed.

This medicine comes as tablets or as a liquid. The tablet form of this medicine should be only used in adults and teens. Check with your healthcare provider before using the tablets in children under age 12 years.

The liquid form of this medicine may be used in patients 1 year of age or older. If you have the liquid, shake the medicine bottle well before pouring the dose. Use the measuring spoon, cup, dropper, or oral syringe that comes with the medicine, or ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen spoon because the dose may not be correct. Check with your healthcare provider before using this liquid in children under age 1 year.

Take this medicine with food.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may change the color of your urine or eyes. This is normal and not harmful.

This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

If symptoms do not improve in a few days, or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

If you have diabetes: The liquid medicine contains sugar (sucrose). It may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Fever, infection, severe abdominal pain, itching, rash, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting.

Other: Vomiting, nausea, new or worsening diarrhea, mild stomach pain, headache, mild bone or muscle pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

Discard any leftover liquid medicine after 7 days.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.