BRANDS OF NITAZOXANIDE IN KENYA
Antidiazox®, Global Napi Pharmaceuticals
Netazox®, Ind Swift Ltd.
Nidox®, ACME Laboratories
Nizal®, Cipla
Zox®, Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Nitazoxanide was originally discovered in the 1980s by Jean-François Rossignol at the Pasteur Institute.
Mechanism Of Action
The antiprotozoal activity of nitazoxanide is believed to be due to interference with the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction which is essential to anaerobic energy metabolism.
INDICATIONS:
Diarrhea caused by Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum.
It is also an effective treatment option for infections caused by other protozoa and helminths (e.g., Entamoeba histolytica, Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Cyclospora cayetanensis.
Limitations of Use
Nitazoxanide has not been shown to be effective for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in HIV-infected or immunodeficient patients
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
1-3 Years
100 mg Nitazoxanide taken orally every 12 hours with food for 3 days
4-11 years
200 mg Nitazoxanide taken orally every 12 hours with food for 3 days
12 years and older
500 mg Nitazoxanide taken orally every 12 hours with food for 3 days
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Nitazoxanide is contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity to nitazoxanide or the inactive ingredients of a nitazoxanide formulation
DRUG INTERACTIONS OF NITAZOXANIDE:
Tizoxanide (the active metabolite of nitazoxanide) is highly bound to plasma protein (>99.9%). Therefore, monitor for adverse reactions when administering nitazoxanide concurrently with other highly plasma protein-bound drugs with narrow therapeutic indices, as competition for binding sites may occur (e.g., warfarin).
Overdose
Information on nitazoxanide overdose is limited. Oral doses of 4 grams in healthy adults do not appear to cause any significant adverse effects. In various animals, the oral LD50 is higher than 10 g/kg
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
The anti-protozoal activity of nitazoxanide is believed to be due to interference with the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction which is essential to anaerobic energy metabolism
It has also been shown to have activity against influenza A virus in vitro. The mechanism appears to be by selectively blocking the maturation of the viral hemagglutinin at a stage preceding resistance to endoglycosidase H digestion. This impairs hemagglutinin intracellular trafficking and insertion of the protein into the host plasma membrane.
Pharmacokinetics
Following oral administration, nitazoxanide is rapidly hydrolyzed to the pharmacologically active metabolite, tizoxanide, which is 99% protein bound. Tizoxanide is then glucuronide conjugated into the active metabolite, tizoxanide glucuronide. Peak plasma concentrations of the metabolites tizoxanide and tizoxanide glucuronide are observed 1–4 hours after oral administration of nitazoxanide, whereas nitazoxanide itself is not detected in blood plasma.
Roughly 2⁄3 of an oral dose of nitazoxanide is excreted as its metabolites in feces, while the remainder of the dose excreted in urine.Tizoxanide is excreted in the urine, bile and feces. Tizoxanide glucuronide is excreted in urine and bile
ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS OF NITAZOXANIDE:
Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease
Nervous System disorders: dizziness
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash, urticaria
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions:
The PPB Department of Pharmacovigilance was set up with a vision to develop, implement and continuously upgrade an appropriate system for detecting, reporting, and monitoring adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and other relevant problems with medicines in Kenya. The department strives to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products in Kenya.
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product are important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals/ Patients are encouraged to report any suspected adverse reactions via Pharmacovigilance Yellow Form, pv@pharmacyboardkenya.org or clicking below button:
Where to get Nitazoxanide in Kenya
Nitazoxanide is a prescription only medicine (POM) and that means you need a valid prescription to buy in registered chemist near you
Nitazoxanide in Kenya
Prices/Cost of Nitazoxanide in Kenya
Uses/indications of Nitazoxanide in Kenya
Clinical | Pharmacokinetic data
Pregnancy Category: B
Routes of Administration: Oral
Bioavailability: Not Available
Protein Binding: over 99%
Metabolosim: Rapidly hydrolyzed to tizoxanide
Onset of Action:
Elimination Half life: 3.5 hours
Excretion: Renal, biliary, and fecal
Legal Status | Dosage forms & Strengths
Prescription Category:
Prescription only Medicine (POM) , ℞-only
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control ) Act Schedule:
This drug is not a controlled substance under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control ) Act
Dosage Forms | Strengths:
Tablets
Drug Indentifiers:
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Drug Images
References/ Citation:
- PPB Drugs Retention Register
- “Nitazoxanide Prescribing Information” . Romark Pharmaceuticals. August 2013. pp. 1–5.