Nitazoxanide Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 8, 2020.
For the Consumer
Applies to nitazoxanide: oral powder for suspension, oral tablet
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
Along with its needed effects, nitazoxanide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nitazoxanide:
Incidence not known
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
Some side effects of nitazoxanide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Incidence not known
- Dizziness
- heartburn
- hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
- redness of the skin
- trouble breathing
- vomiting
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to nitazoxanide: oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet
General
Side effects were generally mild. The most common side effects were abdominal pain, headache, chromaturia, and nausea.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea
Frequency not reported: Vomiting, flatulence, dyspepsia, constipation, dry mouth, enlarged salivary glands
Postmarketing reports: Diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Headache
Frequency not reported: Somnolence, tremor, hypesthesia, syncope
Postmarketing reports: Dizziness[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Chromaturia
Frequency not reported: Discolored urine, dysuria, amenorrhea, metrorrhagia, edema labia[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Pruritus, sweat
Postmarketing reports: Rash, urticaria[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Epistaxis, rhinitis, lung disease, pharyngitis
Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Asthenia, fever, pain, pelvic pain, back pain, influenza syndrome, earache, chills, thirst, infection[Ref]
Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Anorexia, increased appetite[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Myalgia, leg cramps, spontaneous bone fracture[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, hypertension[Ref]
Hematologic
Frequency not reported: Anemia, leukocytosis[Ref]
Renal
Frequency not reported: Kidney pain, increased creatinine[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Insomnia[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Increased ALT[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction[Ref]
Ocular
Frequency not reported: Eye discoloration (including pale yellow eye discoloration)[Ref]
References
1. "Product Information. Alinia (nitazoxanide)." Romark Laboratories L.C., Tampa, FL.
2. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited "eTG complete [Online] Available from: URL: http://online.tg.org.au/complete/desktop/tgc.htm." ([2014, Nov -]):
3. Stockis A, De Bruyn S, Gengler C, Rosillon D "Nitazoxanide pharmacokinetics and tolerability in man during 7 days dosing with 0.5 g and 1 g b.i.d." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 40 (2002): 221-7
4. Fox LM, Saravolatz LD "Nitazoxanide: a new thiazolide antiparasitic agent." Clin Infect Dis 40 (2005): 1173-80
More about nitazoxanide
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Dosage Information
- Imprints, Shape & Color Data
- Drug Interactions
- En Español
- Drug class: amebicides
Consumer resources
- Other brands
- Alinia
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.