Nitazoxanide (Alinia) for Oral Suspension (100 mg/5 mL) is now available for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia in children 1 to 11 years of age. Nitazoxanide for oral suspension is a product of Romark Pharmaceuticals. Nitazoxanide is also available in a tablet formation for patients over the age of 11. Nitazoxanide for oral suspension is dosed twice daily for 3 days and should be taken with food.

The safety and effectiveness of nitazoxanide has not been established in HIV-positive patients, patients with immunodeficiency, or in patients younger than 1 year of age. The safety and effectiveness of nitazoxanide oral suspension or tablets has not been established for the treatment of diarrhea caused by C. parvum in patients 12 years and older. A single tablet of nitazoxanide contains a greater amount of nitazoxanide than is recommended for pediatric dosing and therefore should not be used in pediatric patients 11 years of age or younger.