Nitacure
Generic Name
Nitazoxanide
Manufacturer
Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| nitacure 500 mg tablet | ৳ 10.00 | ৳ 100.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Nitazoxanide is an antiparasitic drug used to treat infections caused by protozoa and helminths. It is effective against various gastrointestinal parasites.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
500 mg twice daily for 3 days with food.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment required, use with caution.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution; pharmacokinetic data in severe impairment is limited. No specific dose recommendations.
How to Take
Take the tablet orally with food to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Mechanism of Action
Nitazoxanide interferes with the pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction, which is essential for anaerobic energy metabolism in susceptible parasites.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Not well-defined, clinical effect typically seen within 2-3 days.
Excretion
Primarily through feces (approximately two-thirds as tizoxanide and tizoxanide glucuronide) and urine (approximately one-third as tizoxanide glucuronide).
Half life
Tizoxanide (active metabolite): Approximately 1.5 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; significantly increased when taken with food.
Metabolism
Rapidly hydrolyzed to an active metabolite, tizoxanide, and its glucuronide conjugate.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to nitazoxanide or any component of the formulation.
- Children under 1 year of age for Cryptosporidium parvum infection (safety and efficacy not established).
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
Nitazoxanide is highly protein-bound and may displace other highly protein-bound drugs, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations. Caution advised with coumarin anticoagulants like warfarin; monitor INR.
Other highly protein-bound drugs
Co-administration with other highly protein-bound drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, phenytoin) should be done with caution.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In cases of overdose, no specific antidote is available. Management should be symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered soon after ingestion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Animal reproduction studies have shown no risk, but human data is limited. Use only if clearly needed after consulting a doctor. It is unknown whether nitazoxanide or its metabolites are excreted into human breast milk; use with caution in breastfeeding mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the manufacturing date, depending on the manufacturer.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available
Clinical Trials
Nitazoxanide has been subject to various clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in treating cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, as well as other parasitic infections.
Lab Monitoring
- Monitor liver function tests periodically in patients with underlying hepatic impairment.
- Monitor International Normalised Ratio (INR) regularly in patients receiving concomitant warfarin therapy.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of patient compliance with the full course of therapy to ensure eradication of parasites and prevent resistance.
- Advise patients to take Nitacure with food to optimize absorption and minimize gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Consider liver function monitoring in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve earlier, to prevent recurrence.
- Always take this medicine with food to maximize absorption and minimize stomach upset.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications, herbal products, and supplements you are taking.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Nitacure may cause dizziness in some individuals. Patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Practice good personal hygiene, especially hand washing, to prevent the spread and re-infection of parasitic diseases.
- Ensure proper sanitation and safe drinking water to minimize exposure to parasites.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.