Alinia (Nitazoxanide)

What is Alinia?

Alinia is a synthetic agent that belongs to a group of medicines called antiprotozoals. Alinia Tablets and Alinia Oral Suspension have nitazoxanide as its active ingredient.

What is Alinia used for?

Alinia is used for treating diarrhea that is caused by intestinal parasitic infections like Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia.

How does Alinia work?

Alinia works by controlling a PFOR enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction, resultantly suppressing the activities in the body that result in parasitic infections.

How to use Alinia

Alinia is taken orally after every twelve hours for three days. This medicine should be taken with food. Do not give Alinia to children less than 11 years of age as they are usually prescribed Alinia (nitazoxanide) 500mg suspension.

Alinia gives best results if its level in body is kept stable and constant for the directed time. Therefore, take the medicine around same time each day. Also, do not alter the period for which it has been prescribed. Follow your doctor’s instructions wisely.

Alinia warnings and precautions

It is sensible to tell your doctor about all the prescribed or non prescribed drugs that you are taking. Also, let the doctor know if you are allergic or are undergoing some other treatments while you are on Alinia.

Store it at room temperature and make sure it is kept away from the reach of children. Do not freeze the medicine. Throw away the outdated medicines.

Any history of liver diseases, kidney diseases or weak immune system-related problems, including HIV infections, should be reported to the physician who prescribes you Alinia. The effects of Alinia can also change if you have gallbladder disease or Immune system deficiency conditions.

If you are pregnant, consult your doctor for possible side effects and benefits before starting with the course of Alinia.

What do I do if I have missed a Alinia dose?

If you have missed your Alinia dose, you should take it when you recall. Skip the missed dose in case you are supposed to take the second dose by then and resume your schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Alinia overdose?

If you have taken an Alinia overdose, you should contact your physician for averting the symptoms caused due to excess intake of the medicine.

Alinia interactions

Do not start, stop or change the doses of Alinia and any other drug on your own as it is directed to you as per your present medical condition, including all the prescribed and over the counter drugs that you are taking and your medical history.

Also, ask your doctor for any possible food, alcohol or tobacco interactions that can occur.

Alinia side effects

Side effects of Alinia are commonly not that serious and occur initially as body adjusts to the medicine, but in case these effects last for long you need to tell your physician about the conditions. Alinia side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, headache and vomiting.

Some rare cases of  appetite increase, bloated full feeling,  discolored urine, dizziness, enlarged salivary glands, excess air or gas in stomach or intestines, eye discoloration, pale or yellowed skin, feeling of discomfort or illness, infection and itching skin, have been reported by takers of this medicine.

Seek immediate medical help if you come across symptoms like nausea, passing gas, persistent runny and stuffy nose, sudden weight loss, unusual sweating and excessive tiredness or weakness.