Nitazoxanide: A New Thiazolide Antiparasitic Agent

TLDR

Nitazoxanide is a well‑tolerated, orally administered thiazolide with broad in vitro activity against protozoa and helminths and no known drug‑drug interactions. It is licensed for treating Giardia intestinalis–induced diarrhea in patients ≥1 year and Cryptosporidium‑induced diarrhea in children 1–11, and is an important addition to the antiparasitic arsenal.

Abstract

Nitazoxanide is a new thiazolide antiparasitic agent that shows excellent in vitro activity against a wide variety of protozoa and helminths. It is given by the oral route with good bioavailability and is well tolerated, with primarily mild gastrointestinal side effects. At present, there are no documented drug-drug interactions. Nitazoxanide has been licensed for the treatment of Giardia intestinalis-induced diarrhea in patients >or=1 year of age and Cryptosporidum-induced diarrhea in children aged 1-11 years. At present, it is pending licensure for treatment of infection due to Cryptosporidium species in adults and for use in treating immunocompromised hosts. It represents an important addition to the antiparasitic arsenal.