Randomized clinical study of nitazoxanide compared to metronidazole in the treatment of symptomatic giardiasis in children from Northern Peru.
BACKGROUND
Enteric infection by Giardia intestinalis is a common cause of diarrhoea world-wide and a significant cause of morbidity in children.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of nitazoxanide and metronidazole in the treatment of diarrhoea caused by G. intestinalis in children.


METHODS
A total of 110 children presenting with diarrhoea caused by G. intestinalis were randomized to treatment with either a 3-day course of nitazoxanide (100 mg b.d., age range 2-3 years; 200 mg b.d., age range 4-11 years) or a 5-day course of metronidazole (125 mg b.d., age range 2-5 years; 250 mg b.d., age range 6-11 years). The patients were followed-up for a determination of clinical response 7 days after the initiation of treatment, and two subsequent stool samples were collected for parasitological examination.


RESULTS
Diarrhoea had resolved in 47 children out of 55 (85%) in the nitazoxanide treatment group before the day 7 follow-up visit, compared to 44 out of 55 (80%) for metronidazole. Diarrhoea resolved within 4 days in most cases. Only mild, transient adverse events were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
A 3-day course of nitazoxanide suspension is as efficacious as a standard 5-day course of metronidazole suspension in treating giardiasis in children.
Ortiz
J J
JJ
Cajamarca General Hospital, Cajamarca, Peru.
Ayoub
A
A
Gargala
G
G
Chegne
N L
NL
Favennec
L
L
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005873:Giardiasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D010568:Peru; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D013844:Thiazoles; D008795:Metronidazole; C041747:nitazoxanide