nitazoxanide 500 mg is used to treat diarrhea in adults and children older than 1 year of age caused by the protozoa Cryptosporidium or Giardia. Protozoa are suspected as the cause when diarrhea lasts more than 7 days. Nitazoxanide is in a class of medications called antiprotozoal agents. It works by stopping the growth of certain protozoa that cause diarrhea.
nizonide 500 comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food every 12 hours for 3 days. Take nitazoxanide at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nitazoxanide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Continue to take nitazoxanide until you finish the prescription, even if you start to feel better. Do not stop taking nitazoxanide without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking nitazoxanide too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be fully treated.