Nitazoxanide (Alinia) Tablet Uses in Pakistan

Nitazoxanide (Alinia / Nizonide) is used in Pakistan for giardia, cryptosporidium, and diarrhoea. These medicines are especially relevant in Pakistan due to contaminated water supply. This guide covers all uses and essential information.

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

Uses

Quick Answer

Nitazoxanide (Alinia / Nizonide) is an antiparasitic used in Pakistan for giardiasis (giardia diarrhoea from contaminated water), cryptosporidiosis, and amoebiasis (adjunct). It works by inhibiting the PFOR enzyme in protozoa. Adults take 500mg twice daily for 3 days — must be taken WITH FOOD for proper absorption. Yellow/orange urine discolouration is harmless (tizoxanide metabolite). In Pakistan, giardia from contaminated water is common — especially relevant during summer.

Primary Uses at a Glance

Giardiasis — Giardia Infection

Giardiasis is caused by the Giardia intestinalis parasite — through contaminated water or food. Symptoms: watery diarrhoea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea. Giardia is very common in Pakistan due to water sanitation issues — especially in rural areas and during summer. Nitazoxanide is an effective antiparasitic for giardiasis.

500mg twice daily for 3 days — WITH FOOD. As per doctor's prescription for confirmed or suspected giardiasis.

Cryptosporidiosis — Cryptosporidium Infection

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by Cryptosporidium parvum — from contaminated water (water-borne parasitic infection). Nitazoxanide is effective in immunocompetent adults — it shortens the duration of diarrhoea. Benefit is limited in immunocompromised (HIV/AIDS) patients.

500mg twice daily for 3 days — for immunocompetent patients. Specialist consultation is required for HIV patients.

Amoebiasis (Adjunct)

Amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica — a common intestinal infection in Pakistan. Nitazoxanide is used as adjunct therapy — the primary treatment is metronidazole. The doctor decides when combination therapy is necessary.

As per doctor's prescription — adjunct treatment. Often given alongside or after metronidazole.

Other Uses

Rotavirus diarrhoea — off-label; kuch evidence for shortened illness duration in immunocompetent
Helicobacter pylori — adjunct in resistant regimens (off-label)

Nitazoxanide (Alinia) Tablet Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aata hai)

Nitazoxanide (Alinia / Nizonide) contains Nitazoxanide as the active ingredient and belongs to the Antiparasitic / Antiprotozoal class. It treats intestinal parasites that commonly arise from contaminated water in Pakistan.

Primary Uses (Mukhya Istemal)

Giardiasis — Giardia infection
Cryptosporidiosis — in immunocompetent patients
Amoebiasis — adjunct treatment

Pakistan Context — Kyun Relevant Hai

Issue	Pakistan Reality
Water safety	Contaminated water supplies widespread
Giardia prevalence	Common — especially rural + summer
Cryptosporidium	Water-borne; common in gastroenteritis
Summer diarrhoea	Parasitic causes common in hot months

Secondary Uses (Off-Label)

Rotavirus diarrhoea (off-label — some evidence for duration reduction)
H. pylori adjunct in resistant cases
Investigational antiviral activity (influenza — research stage)

Who Should Take It (Kin logon ke liye)

Confirmed or suspected giardiasis patients
Cryptosporidiosis (immunocompetent)
Doctor-prescribed intestinal parasitic infection

When NOT to Use (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

Nitazoxanide allergy
Severe hepatic impairment (caution)
Immunocompromised + cryptosporidiosis (limited benefit — specialist)
Warfarin users without INR monitoring

Important Reminders

Must be taken WITH FOOD — absorption dramatically improves with food
Yellow/orange urine — harmless metabolite — do not be alarmed
Complete the 3-day course even if feeling better
Hydration — drink ORS during the diarrhoea episode

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nitazoxanide kis kaam aata hai?

Nitazoxanide treats giardia, cryptosporidium, and diarrhoea. Giardia from contaminated water is very common in Pakistan — especially during summer. It is essential to take it with food — do not take on an empty stomach.

Nitazoxanide giardia ka ilaaj karta hai?

Yes — nitazoxanide is an approved antiparasitic for giardiasis. Adults take 500mg twice daily for 3 days. Giardia from contaminated water and food is common in Pakistan — this medicine is very relevant during the summer diarrhoea season.

Nitazoxanide metronidazole se kaise alag hai?

Both are used to treat giardia. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is the first-line choice in Pakistan — cheap and widely available. Nitazoxanide has a broader spectrum (protozoa + some bacteria + viruses). The doctor chooses based on the clinical context — they have different mechanisms (PFOR inhibition vs DNA damage).

Nitazoxanide kitne din leni hai?

Usually a 3-day course for giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent adults — 500mg twice daily. It is a short course — complete it. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Nitazoxanide Pakistan mein kaun si brands hain?

Alinia (Romark), Nizonide, and local generic nitazoxanide brands are available in Pakistan. Ask your pharmacist for a DRAP-registered option.

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.