Nitazoxanide oral suspension

What is this medicine?

NITAZOXANIDE (nye ta ZOX a nide) is an anti-infective. It is used to treat diarrhea caused by some parasites.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever or chills

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• tremor

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bone or muscle pain

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

• urine discoloration

What may interact with this medicine?

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After this medicine is mixed by your pharmacist, store it at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after 7 days.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bile or gallbladder problems

• diabetes

• immune system problems

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nitazoxanide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for a follow-up visit as directed. You may need to have tests done to check that the infection is cleared. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Practice good hygiene to prevent infection of others. Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails and shower often. Every day change and launder linens and undergarments. Scrub toilets often and keep floors clean.