Nitazoxanide treatment for giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis in children.
OBJECTIVE
To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, drug interactions, dosing recommendations, and clinical efficacy of nitazoxanide, a new antiprotozoal/anthelmintic/antibacterial agent.


METHODS
A MEDLINE search (1966-February 2004) of both human and animal research data published in the English language was conducted.


METHODS
All primary and review articles pertaining to the MEDLINE search were reviewed for inclusion. Emphasis was placed on randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.


RESULTS
Nitazoxanide is approved for the treatment of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis (first drug approved for the latter indication) in immune-competent children <12 years of age. Most studies in immune-competent patients have reported clinical and parasitologic response rates close to 80% and 70%, respectively, for both indications. Response rates have been lower in immune-compromised patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Nitazoxanide should be available for patients unable to tolerate or adhere to first-line therapy employed for these intestinal protozoa.
College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209-8333, USA.
Jason M
JM
Bailey
John
J
Erramouspe
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005873:Giardiasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D013844:Thiazoles; C041747:nitazoxanide