Nitazoxanide (Alinia) Tablet Dosage Guide in Pakistan

Nitazoxanide (Alinia / Nizonide) dose varies by indication. The most important rule: it MUST be taken WITH FOOD — absorption on an empty stomach is very poor. This guide provides complete dosage information.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

Dosage Guide

Quick Answer

Nitazoxanide (Alinia / Nizonide) adult dose for giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis is 500mg twice daily for 3 days — MUST be taken WITH FOOD (absorption significantly improves with food). The course is short (3 days) but must be completed. Yellow/orange urine discolouration is harmless. Children have weight-based dosing with paediatric suspension. Always take as prescribed by your doctor.

Dose at a Glance

Adult Dose

Giardiasis / Cryptosporidiosis: 500mg twice daily for 3 days — WITH FOOD (mandatory for absorption)

Twice daily (har 12 ghante) — WITH FOOD

Max: 500mg twice daily (standard adult dose); extended courses specialist-directed only

Child Dose (1 year and above — specialist guidance for under 1 year)

Paediatric oral suspension (100mg/5ml) — weight-based dose: 1–3 years: 100mg (5ml) twice daily; 4–11 years: 200mg (10ml) twice daily; 12+ years: adult dose. Always WITH FOOD.

Twice daily with food — 3 days

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered — but if the next dose time is close, skip it. Never take a double dose. It is a 3-day short course — complete it fully.

Overdose

Nitazoxanide overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. If an accidental overdose occurs, contact a doctor or poison control immediately. No specific antidote — supportive care.

Nitazoxanide (Alinia) Tablet Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

Nitazoxanide Tablet — the most important rule: MUST BE TAKEN WITH FOOD. It is a 3-day short course — complete it.

Adult Dose (Baalgon ke liye)

Giardiasis / Cryptosporidiosis (immunocompetent):

Dose: 500mg twice daily
Duration: 3 din (3 days)
With food: MANDATORY — do not take on an empty stomach
Timing: With the morning meal + with the evening meal

Child Dose (Bachon ke liye)

Age	Dose	Form
1–3 years	100mg twice daily	Oral suspension (5ml)
4–11 years	200mg twice daily	Oral suspension (10ml)
12+ years	500mg twice daily	Tablet

Always with food — 3-day course.

How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

Twice daily — every 12 hours
WITH FOOD — do not take on an empty stomach (absorption drastically reduces)
3-day course — complete it

Best Time to Take (Kab leni chahiye)

With the morning meal + with the evening meal — absorption is best with food

Why Food Matters (Khane ke sath kyun zaroori hai)

Nitazoxanide is lipophilic — bile secretion with dietary fat improves absorption significantly
Taking on an empty stomach can leave blood levels below the therapeutic range — treatment may fail
Absorption is even better with a high-fat meal

Missed Dose (Dose chhoot jaye to kya karein)

Take it as soon as remembered. If the next dose is close, skip it — do not take a double dose.

Dose Summary Table

Patient	Dose	Duration	Rule
Adult (Giardia/Crypto)	500mg BD	3 days	WITH FOOD
Child 1-3 yr	100mg BD	3 days	WITH FOOD
Child 4-11 yr	200mg BD	3 days	WITH FOOD
Child 12+ yr	500mg BD	3 days	WITH FOOD

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. Always confirm the dose with your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nitazoxanide ki dose kitni hoti hai?

For adults with giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis: 500mg twice daily for 3 days — WITH FOOD. A weight-based suspension is available for children. Always follow the doctor's instructions.

Nitazoxanide khane ke sath kyun leni chahiye?

Nitazoxanide absorption on an empty stomach is very poor — bioavailability improves significantly with food. This is why taking it WITH FOOD is the most important dosing rule for this medicine.

Nitazoxanide kitne din leni hai?

Standard course: 3 days. It is a short course — complete it even if you feel better. For immunocompromised patients, a longer course is decided by the specialist.

Nitazoxanide din mein kitni baar leni hai?

Twice daily — every 12 hours. With the morning meal and with the evening meal. Maintain the same time daily.

Nitazoxanide bachon ko kitni dose di jaati hai?

Children are given suspension (100mg/5ml): 1–3 years — 100mg twice daily; 4–11 years — 200mg twice daily; 12 years and above — adult dose. Always with food. Confirm with a doctor or pharmacist.

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Nitazoxanide Tablet.

Used for the same conditions

Other medicines commonly used for diarrhea and overlapping conditions.

Diarrhea hub →

Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.