Nitaxen PFS 100 mg/5 ml

Antiprotozoal for diarrhoea caused by:

• Giardia lamblia (giardiasis)
• Cryptosporidium parvum
• Also used for amoebiasis and some worm infections, and for rotavirus/viral diarrhoea in some guidelines

Adults and children over 12 years: 500 mg twice daily with food for 3 days.

Children (suspension 100 mg/5 ml), twice daily with food for 3 days:

• 1–3 years: 100 mg (5 ml)
• 4–11 years: 200 mg (10 ml)
• Give ORS to prevent dehydration.
• Take with food to improve absorption.

• Allergy to nitazoxanide
• Children under 1 year (safety not established)

Common: abdominal pain, nausea, headache, diarrhoea.

Less common: vomiting, yellowish/discoloured urine or eyes (harmless), loss of appetite.

Rare: rash, itching, dizziness, raised liver enzymes.

• Liver, kidney or biliary disease: use with caution.
• Suspension contains sugar — note in diabetes.
• See a doctor if diarrhoea is bloody, high fever, or signs of dehydration.

Limited data; use in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Use with caution while breastfeeding.

• Highly protein-bound drugs with narrow safety margin, e.g. warfarin (monitor)

Gastrointestinal upset. Supportive care.

Store below 30°C. Reconstituted suspension: use within 7 days.