Nitazoxanide: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Nitazoxanide is an antiprotozoal (antiparasitic) medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for diarrhoea caused by Giardia and Cryptosporidium. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, suspension and syrup, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Nitazoxanide works

Nitazoxanide interferes with an enzyme system that these parasites rely on to produce energy. Without this energy supply the parasites cannot survive, which allows the gut to recover and the diarrhoea to settle.

What is Nitazoxanide used for?

• Diarrhoea caused by Giardia and Cryptosporidium

Nitazoxanide is used to treat diarrhoea caused by the gut parasites Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum, in both adults and children. These infections are usually picked up from contaminated water or food and cause watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, bloating and nausea. Doctors in Pakistan also prescribe it for some other infectious diarrhoeas. Rehydration remains an important part of treatment.

Side effects of Nitazoxanide

Side effects of Nitazoxanide are generally mild and short-lived, such as:

• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Bright yellow urine (harmless)

See a doctor urgently if diarrhoea becomes bloody, you have a high fever, signs of dehydration such as very little urine or drowsiness, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling or difficulty breathing.

Precautions and warnings

• Take Nitazoxanide with food, which helps the body absorb it.
• Keep drinking plenty of fluids and use oral rehydration salts (ORS), especially in children, to replace what is lost through diarrhoea.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or bile duct problems, or take warfarin or other medicines that are strongly bound to blood proteins.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use it only after speaking to your doctor.
• Wash your hands well after using the toilet and before preparing food to avoid spreading the infection.

Frequently asked questions about Nitazoxanide

What is the price of Nitazoxanide in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Nitazoxanide products currently in stock range from Rs 86 to Rs 1,152 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Izato 100mg/5ml 30ml Suspension at Rs 86. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Nitazoxanide are available in Pakistan?

Nitazoxanide is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Nt-tox (Genix Pharma Ltd), Izato (Sami Pharma Ltd) and Diatazox (Continental Pharmaceuticals).

Do I need a prescription for Nitazoxanide?

Yes. Nitazoxanide is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Nitazoxanide be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use it only after speaking to your doctor.

Are all Nitazoxanide brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Nitazoxanide in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Nitazoxanide brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 8 products containing Nitazoxanide from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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