Description
Nizonide 500 Mg Tablets
Nizonide 500 Mg Tablets contain nitazoxanide 500 mg, an antiprotozoal medicine. Nitazoxanide is prescribed for diarrhoea caused by the intestinal parasites Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. It works by interfering with the energy metabolism of these parasites, so it is used to clear the infection rather than to relieve diarrhoea alone. It is a short course medicine, and the diagnosis should be confirmed by a doctor or laboratory test before treatment begins.
Composition
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Nitazoxanide | 500 mg per tablet |
| Excipients | As listed on the pack insert |
Product Details
Nizonide 500 Mg Tablets are oral tablets. Nitazoxanide is a prescription-only medicine in many countries, and a valid prescription and the advice of a qualified doctor or pharmacist are needed before use. Diarrhoea that is bloody, persistent, or accompanied by high fever, dehydration or severe abdominal pain needs medical assessment before any antiparasitic treatment is started.
Mechanism of Action
Nitazoxanide is converted in the gut into an active metabolite, tizoxanide. This disrupts the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase reaction that anaerobic parasites and some bacteria use for energy production. The effect is directed mainly at the intestinal parasites, which is why the drug is largely confined to the gut and acts locally on the infection.
Indications
- Diarrhoea caused by Giardia lamblia, in adults and children as directed by the prescriber
- Diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, in adults and children as directed by the prescriber
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose in the widely used labelling is 500 mg twice daily for 3 days, taken with or without food. The dose for children is set by body weight and age, and should be taken exactly as the prescriber or the pack insert directs. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Complete the full course even if the diarrhoea settles early. Do not repeat the course without speaking to a doctor, and seek advice if the symptoms do not improve after the course.
Special Populations
Children: the dose depends on weight. Use only as directed by a doctor, and watch for dehydration, which is a particular risk in young children with diarrhoea.
Kidney impairment: no dose adjustment is usually needed, but the prescriber should review use in severe impairment.
Liver impairment: the prescriber should review use in moderate to severe liver disease.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: use only if clearly needed, after discussion with a doctor, because safety data are limited.
Precautions
- Diarrhoea is also caused by many other infections and conditions. Nitazoxanide only treats the parasites named above, so a proper diagnosis matters.
- Rehydration is important. Drink plenty of fluids, and use oral rehydration solution if diarrhoea is severe.
- Urine can turn yellow or brownish-orange during treatment. This is harmless but may be mistaken for blood or a problem.
- Seek medical help promptly for blood in the stools, signs of dehydration, high fever, or symptoms that worsen.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to nitazoxanide or any excipient in the product
Side Effects
Common: abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, headache, vomiting, discoloured urine.
Uncommon: dizziness, fatigue, altered taste, rash, itching.
Rare: allergic reactions including swelling of the face or throat, severe skin reactions, liver enzyme changes.
Seek urgent medical help for swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, a severe rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or persistent or bloody diarrhoea.
Drug Interactions
- Tizanidine: nitazoxanide may increase tizanidine levels, which can cause low blood pressure, drowsiness and sedation. Discuss with a doctor before combining.
- Other antidiarrhoeal and antiparasitic medicines: use only under medical advice.
- Medicines that alter gut flora, such as antibiotics: may affect the response to treatment.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine, herbal product and supplement you take.
Storage
Store below 30 degrees Celsius in the original package, protected from moisture. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.
Related Products
- Zentel 400 Mg Tablets: albendazole, an anthelmintic for worm infections. It treats a different type of parasite and is not interchangeable with nitazoxanide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I feel better?
Diarrhoea often improves within a few days, but the whole course should be completed.
Can I give it to children?
Yes, with the dose set by weight and age. Check with a doctor first, particularly for infants.
Why is my urine a different colour?
Nitazoxanide can colour the urine yellow or brownish-orange. This is harmless and stops after treatment.
What if I have another episode?
See a doctor before repeating treatment, since the cause of recurrent diarrhoea needs investigation.
References
- NHS: Diarrhoea and vomiting in adults. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
- electronic Medicines Compendium (emc): Nitazoxanide summary of product characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed: Nitazoxanide labelling. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. Check dosing, contraindications and interactions against the pack insert and the prescriber’s instructions. Do not start, stop or change this medicine without medical advice.
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