Nitamed
Nitamed Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Nitamed is a brand name. Its generic name is Nitazoxanide.
Introduction
Nitamed is an anthelmintic and anti-protozoal drug used to treat various parasitic infections such as giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and trichomoniasis, as well as helminthic infections like ascariasis and hookworm. It is available in oral and intravenous solutions.Uses
Nitamed is used to treat the following infections: Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ascariasis, Enterobius vermicularis, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.Mechanism of Action
Nitamed works by inhibiting the cytopathic effect of certain protozoa and helminths. It may works by interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis and by inhibiting the development of the parasites.How Long Does it take to Work?
The time it takes for nitazoxanide to take effect varies and depends on the type of infection being treated. Generally, it begins to work within hours or days after ingestion, however, in order for full effectiveness, it may be necessary to continue taking nitazoxanide for several weeks or months.Absorption
Nitamed is absorbed quickly and completely when taken orally. The peak plasma concentration reaches within one hour of dosing.Route of Elimination
Nitamed is eliminated mainly through the feces. It is not known to be excreted in urine.Dosage
Nitamed is available in tablet form in the following dosages:- Adult dose: 500 mg twice daily for three days.
- Children 2-11 years: one 11-30 mg/kg/day in two divided doses (maximum 500 mg/day) three days duration or two divided doses (maximum 12 mg/kg/day) for five days.
- Children 1-2 years: 11 mg/kg/day in two divided doses (maximum 500 mg/day) three days duration or two divided doses (maximum 12 mg/kg/day) for five days.
Administration
Nitamed should be taken orally, with food or milk to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water without crushing, splitting or chewing the tablet.Side Effects
Common side effects of Nitamed include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and diarrhea. Serious side effects are rare, but may include an increased risk of developing an infection, liver toxicity, or allergic reactions.Toxicity
Nitamed is generally considered to be safe at recommended doses. An acute overdose of nitazoxanide can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, increased heart rate, and confusion.Precautions
Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of liver or kidney disease before taking Nitamed. In addition, it is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to reduce the risk of dehydration.Interactions
Nitamed may interact with other medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, and anticonvulsants. It should not be taken with the anticonvulsants phenobarbital and primidone. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting Nitamed.Disease Interaction
Patients with a history of liver or kidney disease should not take Nitamed. In addition, this medication should be used cautiously in patients with decreased kidney function, as it is excreted mainly by the kidneys.Drug Interaction
Drugs that may interact with Nitamed include antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, and antidiabetics. It should not be taken with the anticonvulsants phenobarbital and primidone. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking before starting Nitamed.Food Interactions
Nitamed can be taken with or without food. Taking the medication with food may reduce gastrointestinal side effects.Pregnancy Use
Nitamed should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby.Lactation Use
Nitamed is not known to pass into breast milk and can be used by breastfeeding mothers. However, caution should be exercised as there have not been sufficient studies to assess the safety of this drug in breastfeeding women.Acute Overdose
An acute overdose of Nitamed can result in vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, increased heart rate, and confusion. Treatment of an overdose usually involves supportive care, such as intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and monitor vital signs.Contraindication
Nitamed should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug. It should also not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in patients with a history of liver or kidney disease.Use Direction
Nitamed should be taken orally, with food or milk to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water without crushing, splitting or chewing the tablet.Storage Condition
Nitamed should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children.Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of nitazoxanide has not been determined in humans.Half Life
The elimination half-life of nitazoxanide is 8-14 hours.Clearance
The clearance of nitazoxanide is 4.6 ± 2.5mL/min/kg.Here you find in details version of Nitamed
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Nitamed
What is Nitamed?
Nitamed is an antiparasitic medication used to treat infections caused by parasites, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba species.
What is Nitamed used to treat?
Nitamed is used to treat infections caused by parasites, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba species. It can also be used to treat diarrhea caused by these parasites.
How does Nitamed work?
Nitamed works by blocking the energy production process of parasites, which inhibits their growth and reproduction. This ultimately leads to the death of the parasites.
Are there any side effects associated with Nitamed?
The most common side effects of Nitamed are nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. If these side effects are severe or do not go away, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Does Nitamed interact with any other drugs?
Nitamed may interact with certain antibiotics, medications for diabetes, warfarin, and other medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications that you are taking before using Nitamed.
Who should not take Nitamed?
You should not take Nitamed if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have severe liver or kidney disease, or are allergic to Nitamed or any of its ingredients. Talk to your doctor before starting any new medications.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Nitamed?
If you miss a dose of Nitamed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
How long does it take for Nitamed to work?
The time it takes for Nitamed to work varies depending on the type of infection and the dosage. Most infections improve after 1 to 3 days of treatment, but it may take up to 10 days for some infections.
What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Nitamed?
If you experience an allergic reaction to Nitamed, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling, stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical attention.
Is Nitamed safe for children?
Yes, Nitamed is safe for children. It is important to follow the dosage instructions as directed by your doctor. Do not give your child a double dose if they miss one.
Will I need to take a second dose of Nitamed if my infection does not improve?
In most cases, a single dose of Nitamed is enough to treat an infection. However, if your infection does not improve after one dose, your doctor may prescribe a second dose of the medication.
Is Nitamed approved by the FDA?
Yes, Nitamed is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is available in the US as a prescription medication.
Can I take Nitamed while breastfeeding?
No, you should not take Nitamed while breastfeeding. It is unknown if the medication passes into breast milk, so it is best to avoid taking it while breastfeeding.
Can Nitamed be used to treat other conditions?
No, Nitamed is only approved to treat infections caused by parasites. It should not be used to treat any other condition.
Can Nitamed be used to treat traveler's diarrhea?
Yes, Nitamed can used to treat traveler's diarrhea caused by parasites. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your condition.
Is Nitamed safe to take during pregnancy?
No, Nitamed should not be taken during pregnancy. The safety of this medication during pregnancy has not been established. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
How should Nitamed be stored?
Nitamed should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep the medication in the original container and do not store it in the bathroom or other damp areas.
How long should Nitamed be taken?
The length of time Nitamed is taken depends on the type and severity of infection. Your doctor will determine the right course of treatment for you.
Are there any other medications I can take if Nitamed doesn't work?
If Nitamed does not work, there are other antiparasitic medications, such as metronidazole, that can be used to treat parasitic infections. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
What is the most common dosage of Nitamed?
The most common dosage of Nitamed is 500mg taken twice daily for 3 days. However, the exact dosage and length of treatment may differ depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Can Nitamed be taken with food?
Yes, Nitamed can be taken with or without food. If the medication causes an upset stomach, try taking it with meals or snacks.
Is Nitamed available over-the-counter?
No, Nitamed is not available over-the-counter. It is only available as a prescription medication.
Can Nitamed be used to treat viral infections?
No, Nitamed is not effective against viral infections and should not be used to treat them.
Are there any other uses for Nitamed?
No, Nitamed is only approved to treat parasitic infections. It should not be used to treat any other conditions.
What should I do if I experience severe stomach pain while taking Nitamed?
If you experience severe stomach pain while taking Nitamed, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away. Severe stomach pain could be a sign of a serious reaction to the medication.
Is Nitamed covered by insurance?
This depends on your insurance provider. Check with your insurance company to see if Nitamed is covered under your plan.
Is it safe to take Nitamed for a long time?
No, Nitamed is not meant to be taken for a long period of time and should only be taken for the duration of your infection. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about long-term use of Nitamed.
Does Nitamed cause drowsiness?
No, Nitamed does not typically cause drowsiness. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking this medication.
Can Nitamed cause a rash?
Yes, Nitamed can cause a rash in some people. If you experience a rash while taking this medication, stop taking Nitamed and talk to your doctor right away.
What safety measures should be taken while taking Nitamed?
It is important to read and follow the instructions in the medication guide before taking Nitamed. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and to tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Is Nitamed safe to take while taking other medications?
Yes, Nitamed is generally safe to take with other medications. However, it is always important to talk to your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting Nitamed.
Can Nitamed be taken with alcohol?
No, Nitamed should not be taken with alcohol. Drinking alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of the medication and may increase the risk of serious side effects.
Can I donate blood after taking Nitamed?
Yes, you can donate blood after taking Nitamed. However, make sure to inform the person collecting the blood of the medications that you are taking.
What are the possible drug interactions with Nitamed?
Nitamed can interact with certain antibiotics, medications for diabetes, warfarin, and other medications. It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications you are taking before starting Nitamed.
Does Nitamed have any long-term side effects?
There are no known long-term side effects associated with Nitamed. However, if you experience any persistent or unusual side effects, talk to your doctor right away.
Will I still need to take Nitamed if I have a fever?
If you have a fever and are taking Nitamed for an infection caused by parasites, it is important to finish the full course of the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Fever is a sign that your body is fighting the infection and the medication can help speed up the process.
Is Nitamed available as a generic medication?
No, Nitamed is not currently available as a generic medication. However, generic versions of the drug may become available in the future.
Can I take Nitamed with ibuprofen?
Yes, you can take Nitamed with ibuprofen. However, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications while taking Nitamed.
Should I take Nitamed if I am experiencing nausea?
If you are experiencing nausea and you are taking Nitamed for a parasite infection, it is important to finish the full course of the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Taking the medication with food may help reduce nausea.
Can Nitamed cause an increased heart rate?
Yes, Nitamed can cause an increased heart rate. If you experience an unusually fast or erratic heartbeat while taking this medication, talk to your doctor right away.
What should I do if I experience vomiting or constipation while taking Nitamed?
If you experience vomiting or constipation while taking Nitamed, talk to your doctor right away. These side effects may require changes to your diet or the use of other medications.
Can I take Nitamed if I have high blood pressure?
Yes, you can take Nitamed if you have high blood pressure. However, it is important to monitor your blood pressure closely while taking this medication.