Current Approaches to the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Infections: Focus on Nitazoxanide

Nitazoxanide is a broad-spectrum agent active against several protozoa, helminths, and bacteria, including C. diffi cile and H. pylori. It is available as an oral tablet and suspension, both with adequate bioavailability. Nitazoxanide is associated with minimal side effects, has an acceptable safety profi le, and has been classifi ed as a pregnancy category B agent. It is 99% protein bound, which could result in drug interactions. It is the preferred agent for the treatment of Cryptospordiosis and Giardiasis in immunocompetent patients and has shown promise for the treatment of rotavirus, mild to moderate initial C. diffi cile infection, refractory C. diffi cile infection, Amoebiasis, Blastocystosis, and Taenia saginata.