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Nitazoxanide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 2022.

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

Managing side effects (general information)

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

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.

Medical Disclaimer