Has your little one been having a stomach ache for a few days and won't stop going to the toilet? At such a time, a doctor may prescribe you a medicine called Nitazoxanide. The name may sound a bit strange to you. But don't worry. This is a very important medicine that is given for some diarrhea conditions. So, let's talk briefly about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is Nitazoxanide?
Simply put, Nitazoxanide is an anti-infective. But it doesn't work for all infections. It's specifically used to treat diarrhea caused by certain parasites that live in our intestines, which can cause diarrhea. These parasites can enter our bodies through contaminated water and food. So what this medicine does is kill those parasites and cure the diarrhea.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your or your child's full medical history. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- Bile or gallbladder problems: If you have problems like gallstones.
- Diabetes: This syrup may contain sugar, so it may affect diabetics.
- Immune system problems: If you have diseases that weaken your immune system, such as HIV.
- Kidney disease: If there are problems with kidney function.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have ever had an allergy to Nitazoxanide or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
Don't hide this information from your doctor, as all of this is very important in determining the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly. Here are some tips for doing so.
- Take with food: Always take this medicine with or immediately after a meal. This will reduce the risk of stomach upset and help the medicine absorb better.
- Shake well: Shake the medicine bottle well before using it, as the medicine powder may have settled at the bottom of the bottle.
- Use the correct measure: Use only the special medicine cup, syringe, or dropper that your doctor has given you. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They may not measure correctly, which could result in your child receiving more or less medicine.
- Complete the course: Give the medicine for exactly the number of days the doctor prescribed. Do not stop the course just because your child's diarrhea has subsided. Doing so may cause the infection to return without being completely cured.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
When given to small children
This medicine is usually prescribed for children over one year old. However, only a doctor can decide. Therefore , never give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you thought, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. These are listed in the table below.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, feeling faint. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Skin blisters or sores | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, chills, unusual bruising, extreme fatigue. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach discomfort | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Other general characteristics | Headache , dizziness, dry mouth, body aches. |
| Change in urine color | The color of your urine may change to a slightly yellowish-green color. This is normal, don't worry. |
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes. This medicine may interact with some other medications. Especially if you are taking blood thinners like Warfarin , be sure to tell your doctor about it.
Not only that, it is very important to inform the doctor about any other medications, vitamins, Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicines you are taking.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Always keep medicines out of reach of small children.
- Storage temperature: After you receive this medicine from the pharmacy, store it at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Do not store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Expiration: This syrup can only be used within 7 days of being reconstituted at the pharmacy. Be sure to throw away any remaining medicine after 7 days.
Take-Home Message
- Always give Nitazoxanide syrup with a meal.
- Use only the special measuring cup or syringe provided by your doctor to measure the medicine. Do not use household spoons.
- Even if your symptoms subside, finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Tell the doctor about all other medications you or your child are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects (especially allergic symptoms), see a doctor immediately.
- Discard any remaining medicine 7 days after reconstitution.
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