AlternativeAlinia
Nitazoxanide
Thiazolide antiprotozoal
Cryptosporidium and giardia in immunocompetent women.
Oral
First-line for
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Giardiasis (metronidazole alternative)
Mechanism
Inhibits pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) — anaerobic energy metabolism.
“Cryptosporidium with diarrhoea? Think nitazoxanide”
- No specific Crypto treatment otherwise
- Supportive rehydration mainstay
Dosing
- Adult
- 500 mg BD x 3 d
Contraindications
- AbsoluteHypersensitivity
- CautionHepatic impairment
Side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Greenish discoloration of urine
- Headache
Fetal & maternal notes
- • Limited human data — use only if benefit > risk
- • Avoid breastfeeding during treatment
Key interactions
Warfarin
Caution↑ INR (highly bound)
Clinical pearls
- 💡 Useful in HIV-positive women with chronic crypto
- 💡 Hydration is the cornerstone
Content last reviewed: REPLACE_ME (e.g. 2026-07)
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