Nitazoxanide

Nitazoxanide, also known by the brand names Alinia and Annita, is a synthetic nitrothiazolyl-salicylamide derivative and an antiprotozoal agent. It is approved for the treatment of infectious diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia in patients 1 year of age and older.

Nitazoxanide is currently in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of hepatitis C, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin.

Adverse effects
Side effects are mostly gastrointestinal, and include abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

Pharmacokinetics
Nitazoxanide is a prodrug. Following oral administration, it is rapidly hydrolyzed to its active metabolite, tizoxanide, which is 99% protein bound. Peak concentrations are observed 1–4 hours after administration. It is excreted in the urine, bile and feces.