Adnix

Indications

Nitazoxanide treats diarrhoea caused by the gut parasites Giardia lamblia (giardiasis) and Cryptosporidium parvum (cryptosporidiosis). Doctors may also use it for some other intestinal parasite infections.

How It Works

Nitazoxanide is an antiparasitic medicine. It blocks an enzyme the parasites need to make energy, so they cannot survive or multiply.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults and children 12 years and over: 500 mg (1 tablet or 25 ml of suspension) every 12 hours for 3 days.
• Children 4 to 11 years: 200 mg (10 ml of 100 mg/5 ml suspension) every 12 hours for 3 days.
• Children 1 to 3 years: 100 mg (5 ml of 100 mg/5 ml suspension) every 12 hours for 3 days.
• Children under 1 year: only as prescribed.

Take with food. Shake the suspension well and measure with the cup or spoon provided. Drink plenty of fluids, and give oral rehydration solution (ORS) for diarrhoea, especially to children.

Interactions

Nitazoxanide binds strongly to blood proteins and may affect other medicines that do the same and have a narrow safe range, such as Warfarin or Phenytoin. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.

Contraindications

Allergy to nitazoxanide or any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

Usually mild: stomach pain, nausea, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea. Urine may turn bright yellow or greenish and the whites of the eyes may look slightly yellow; this is harmless and goes after the course.

Get urgent medical help for signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), signs of dehydration (very little urine, dry mouth, sunken eyes, unusual sleepiness, especially in a child), blood in the stool, high fever, or diarrhoea that is no better after 3 days of treatment.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Safety information in pregnancy is limited; use only if a doctor advises it. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk, so ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or gallbladder disease.
• The suspension contains sugar; people with diabetes should take this into account.
• People with a weakened immune system (such as HIV) may not respond as well and need medical follow-up.
• Wash hands well after using the toilet and before eating to prevent spreading the infection.

Overdose

Too much may cause stomach upset, nausea and vomiting. Seek medical advice, especially if a child has swallowed a large amount.

Therapeutic Class

Antiprotozoal (antiparasitic medicine).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. After mixing, keep the suspension tightly closed and use within 7 days, or as stated on the pack.