DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Nitazoxanide Tablets (nye-ta-ZOX-a-nide)
Brand Name: Alinia

Alinia is used for:

Treating certain parasitic infections of the intestine.

Alinia is an antiparasitic agent. It works by interfering with the production of certain substances that are needed by the parasite to live.

Do NOT use Alinia if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Alinia

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Alinia :

Some medical conditions may interact with Alinia . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or gallbladder problems, kidney problems, immune system problems, or HIV infection

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Alinia . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Warfarin because its actions and side effects may be increased by Alinia

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Alinia may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Alinia :

Use Alinia as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take this medicine with food.
• If you miss a dose of Alinia , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Alinia .

Important safety information:

• Alinia may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Alinia . Using Alinia alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Alinia is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 12 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Alinia , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Alinia during pregnancy. It is not known if Alinia is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risk to your baby.

Possible side effects of Alinia :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; headache; nausea; stomach pain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bone pain; fainting; fast heartbeat; severe or persistent dizziness; shortness of breath; unusual tiredness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Alinia :

Store Alinia at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Alinia out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Alinia , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Alinia is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Alinia . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.