NIZOCHRIST 500 (500mg Nitazoxanide)

Product Information

NIZOCHRIST (Nitazoxanide) is an FDA-approved thiazolide antiparasitic medication used to treat diarrhea caused by protozoal infections such as Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia duodenalis in adults and children aged 1 year and older.

Nitazoxanide is rapidly metabolized to its active form, tizoxanide. It works by stopping the growth and survival of certain protozoa and has additional activity against bacteria, helminths, and some viruses.

Why is this Medication Prescribed?

Nitazoxanide is prescribed to:

• Treat diarrhea in children and adults caused by Cryptosporidium parvum or Giardia lamblia

• Act as first-line treatment for Blastocystis infections

• Control protozoal infections lasting more than 7 days

Uses

• Treatment of gastrointestinal infections caused by Cryptosporidium and Giardia

• First-line therapy for Blastocystis infection

• Activity against other protozoa and helminths

• Investigated as a broad-spectrum antiviral due to its effects on viral replication

Benefits

• Effective first-line treatment for protozoal diarrhea in both adults and children

• Broad-spectrum activity against parasites, bacteria, and some viruses

• Generally well tolerated compared to older antiparasitic drugs

• May help in difficult or persistent gastrointestinal infections

How Should this Medicine be Used?

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Usually taken with food for better absorption.

• The dose and duration depend on age, weight, and infection type.

• Complete the full course of therapy, even if symptoms improve early.

• Do not stop treatment without medical advice.

Other Uses

Nitazoxanide is being studied as a broad-spectrum antiviral with activity against:

• Influenza viruses

• Hepatitis B and C

• Norovirus and rotavirus

• Ebola virus

• Coronaviruses, including MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2

Evidence for these uses remains limited and not routinely recommended outside clinical trials.

Special Precautions

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Safety not fully established. Use only if clearly needed under medical supervision.

• Liver or kidney disease: Dose adjustments may be necessary.

• Children under 1 year: Not recommended.

• Inform your doctor of all other medicines you are taking to avoid interactions.

Possible Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and temporary.
Common side effects include:

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea or stomach upset

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Yellow discoloration of urine (harmless)

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

• Unusual fatigue, dark urine, or jaundice (possible liver effects, though rare)

Storage & Disposal

• Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

• Keep in original packaging.

• Keep out of reach of children.

• Dispose of unused medicine safely according to pharmacy or medical guidance.

Emergency Guidance

• In case of overdose, call emergency services or contact a poison control center immediately.

• Seek urgent medical help for allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat).

• Report severe or persistent diarrhea to your doctor, as dehydration may require medical attention.