Nitazoxanide (Alinia) is an antiprotozoal medicine given to children and adults to treat diarrhea caused by the protozoa Cryptosporidium or Giardia, sometimes referred to as traveler's diarrhea. It comes in tablet and liquid form usually taken with food every 12 hours for three days. The liquid is measured in milliliters (mL) and the amount and dose depends on your child's weight and age.
Dosage ranges for nitazoxanide
• 1-3 years receive 5 mL containing 100 mg every 12 hours for 3 days
• 4-11 years receive 10 mL containing 200 mg every 12 hours for 3 days
• 12 years and over receive a tablet or liquid containing 500 mg every 12 hours for 3 days
If your doctor prescribes the oral suspension you will need to add water to the powder inside the bottle. Follow the directions on the label carefully because the amount of water you add will determine the medicine strength.
• Shake the bottle to loosen the powder,
• Add a half of the total amount of water and shake till dissolved.
• Then add the remainder of water and shake again.
• Measure the fluid exactly and make sure the entire dose is ingested.
• Shake the bottle well with each new dose.
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