Nitazoxanide

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Nitazoxanide

Nitazoxanide is a versatile medication recognized for its broad-spectrum antiparasitic and antiviral properties. It is employed in the medical realm for addressing a myriad of helminthic, protozoal, and viral infections.

Clinically, it has been proven effective against infections triggered by Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia in immunocompetent individuals. Beyond its traditional uses, nitazoxanide has been repurposed to combat influenza. Furthermore, it has showcased in vitro antiparasitic efficacy and is a potent remedy for other protozoa and helminth-induced infections. Preliminary evidence also indicates its therapeutic potential against various viral diseases.

From a chemical perspective, nitazoxanide stands as the flagship member of the thiazolides group. This class consists of synthetic nitrothiazolyl-salicylamide derivatives boasting both antiparasitic and antiviral capabilities. Tizoxanide, the active metabolite of nitazoxanide in humans, is also a commendable antiparasitic agent within the thiazolide category.

Uses

Parasitic Infections:

• Effective against Blastocystis species.
• Approved for treating Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia infections in immunocompetent individuals, both adults, and children.
• Demonstrated efficacy against other protozoa and helminth infections, such as those caused by Entamoeba histolytica, Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Cyclospora cayetanensis.

Viral Infections:

• As of 2015, nitazoxanide was undergoing phase 3 clinical trials for treating influenza, given its inhibitory prowess against diverse influenza virus subtypes, including those resistant to neuraminidase inhibitors.
• Nitazoxanide is under investigation for potential treatments of chronic hepatitis B and C, as well as rotavirus and norovirus gastroenteritis.

Disease-Specific Research

• Chronic hepatitis B: Nitazoxanide displayed promising results in initial evaluations, with a notable reduction in serum HBV DNA levels. Moreover, it hinted at a higher HBsAg loss rate compared to existing chronic hepatitis B therapies. A phase II study was projected for 2009.
• Chronic hepatitis C: Initial focus was steered towards chronic hepatitis C treatment. Phase II clinical trials reflected promising treatment efficacy. However, a 2014 meta-analysis called for higher-quality randomized trials to ascertain nitazoxanide's therapeutic role in chronic hepatitis C.

Chemical Classification

Nitazoxanide finds its roots in the thiazolides class, characterized by synthetic nitrothiazolyl-salicylamide derivatives. This classification underpins its antiparasitic and antiviral attributes. The human body metabolizes nitazoxanide to produce tizoxanide, which also belongs to the thiazolide group, carrying antiparasitic characteristics.

Brand names

Nitazoxanide is sold under the brand names Adonid, Alinia, Allpar, Annita, Celectan, Colufase, Daxon, Dexidex, Diatazox, Kidonax, Mitafar, Nanazoxid, Parazoxanide, Netazox, Niazid, Nitamax, Nitax, Nitaxide, Nitaz, Nizonide, NT-TOX, Pacovanton, Paramix, Toza, and Zox.

See Also

• Antiparasitic medication
• Antiviral medication
• Thiazolides
• Cryptosporidium parvum
• Giardia lamblia
• Influenza
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C