Nitazoxanide
Brand names: Alinia, Cryptaz
Nitazoxanide is an antiprotozoal and antihelminthic agent used for infections such as cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis caused by Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It interferes with the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase enzyme-dependent electron-transfer reaction essential to anaerobic energy metabolism in susceptible organisms.
Prescribing in practice
- Efficacy in cryptosporidiosis is reduced in immunocompromised patients, in whom restoring immune function is an important part of management.
- It is taken with food, which increases absorption of the active metabolite.
- It may cause a harmless yellow discolouration of the eyes or urine that should not be mistaken for jaundice.
Monitoring
Routine laboratory monitoring is not generally required; assess clinical response and resolution of symptoms.
Counselling the patient
- Take this medicine with food.
- A temporary yellow tinge to the eyes or urine can occur and is not harmful.
Evidence & guidelines
Activity against Cryptosporidium and Giardia is supported by clinical trials and reflected in current prescribing references.
Reference: IDSA Cryptosporidiosis Guidelines; FDA Nitazoxanide Prescribing Information; PHE Cryptosporidium Guidelines; Rossignol Meta-Analysis; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.