Nitazoxanide

The Basics

What is Nitazoxanide?

Used to treat diarrhea caused by certain parasite infections of the intestines (Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia).

Brand names for Nitazoxanide

Alinia

How Nitazoxanide is classified

Anti-Infective Agents, Antiparasitic Agents

Nitazoxanide During Pregnancy

Nitazoxanide pregnancy category

Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Nitazoxanide while pregnant

N/A

Taking Nitazoxanide While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Nitazoxanide?

Limited information indicates that a maternal dose of 500 mg of nitazoxanide produces low levels of an active metabolite, tizoxanide, in breastmilk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. But until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Limited information indicates that a maternal dose of 500 mg of nitazoxanide produces low levels of an active metabolite, tizoxanide, in breastmilk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. But until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Nitazoxanide on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Nitazoxanide

None listed