nitarid 100mg/5ml syrup - Nitazoxanide (100mg/5ml) medicine

Netazox Oral Suspension: Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Cipla Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 23, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: High for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis; limited for other uses.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 23, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Signs of severe allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Persistent vomiting leading to dehydration
  • Decreased urine output or no urination for 8 hours
  • High fever with chills

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is nitarid 100mg/5ml syrup used for?

This medicine is an oral suspension containing nitazoxanide, used to treat diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia. It works by inhibiting energy production in parasites. The usual dose is 500 mg every 12 hours for 3 days in adults, and weight-based dosing in children. It should be taken with food.

  • Generic Name: Nitazoxanide (100mg/5ml)
  • Manufacturer: Cipla Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 nitarid 100mg/5ml syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा नाइटाज़ोक्सानाइड युक्त एक ओरल सस्पेंशन है, जिसका उपयोग क्रिप्टोस्पोरिडियम और जिआर्डिया परजीवियों के कारण होने वाले दस्त के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह परजीवियों के ऊर्जा उत्पादन को बाधित करके उन्हें मारती है। यह दवा बच्चों और वयस्कों दोनों में उपयोग की जा सकती है, लेकिन डॉक्टर के परामर्श के बिना नहीं लेनी चाहिए।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में पेट दर्द, दस्त, जी मिचलाना, सिरदर्द और उल्टी शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के और अस्थायी होते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन यदि आपको त्वचा पर चकत्ते, सूजन, सांस लेने में कठिनाई या आंखों और त्वचा का पीला पड़ना दिखे, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को लेने से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को गर्भावस्था, स्तनपान, गुर्दे या यकृत की समस्या के बारे में बताएं। दवा को अच्छी तरह हिलाकर ही लें। सही मात्रा मापने के लिए दिए गए कप या सिरिंज का उपयोग करें। दवा को भोजन के साथ लें। कोर्स पूरा करें, भले ही आप बेहतर महसूस करें। दवा को ठंडी और सूखी जगह पर रखें, धूप से बचाएं। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।

💡 Did You Know? India is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, supplying over 50% of global vaccine demand.

💊 nitarid 100mg/5ml syrup Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Cryptosporidiosis","description":"This medicine is used to treat diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in immunocompetent patients.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Giardiasis","description":"This medicine is effective against Giardia lamblia infection, reducing diarrhoea and related symptoms.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Rotavirus gastroenteritis","description":"This medicine may shorten the duration of diarrhoea caused by rotavirus in some studies.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Norovirus gastroenteritis","description":"This medicine has shown some benefit in reducing symptoms of norovirus infection.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Chronic hepatitis B","description":"This medicine has been studied for its antiviral effects against hepatitis B, but it is not a standard treatment.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Chronic hepatitis C","description":"This medicine has been investigated as an adjunct therapy for hepatitis C, but evidence is insufficient.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Infectious diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum or Giardia lamblia

Also treats: Rotavirus gastroenteritis, Norovirus gastroenteritis

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Nitazoxanide (100mg/5ml)
Brand Namenitarid 100mg/5ml syrup
ManufacturerCipla Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassANTI INFECTIVES
Action ClassAntiprotozoal agents
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Shake well before use.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineThe World Health Organization (WHO) includes nitazoxanide in its Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in adults and children.
ICMR GuidelineThe Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends nitazoxanide for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in immunocompetent individuals, as per standard treatment guidelines.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Always prescribe this medicine with food to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
2
Confirm the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis before initiating therapy, as this medicine is not effective for all causes of diarrhoea.
3
For paediatric patients, calculate the dose based on body weight and use the provided measuring device for accuracy.
4
Advise patients to complete the full course even if symptoms improve, to prevent relapse and resistance.
5
Monitor liver function in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
6
Warn patients about potential dizziness and advise caution while driving or operating machinery.
7
Instruct patients to store the suspension at room temperature and shake well before each use.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Watery diarrhoea
This medicine is commonly prescribed for infectious diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium or Giardia.
Likely Use
Abdominal cramps
This medicine helps relieve cramps associated with parasitic infections.
Likely Use
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer; fever may indicate another cause.
Not Primary
Bloody diarrhoea
This medicine is not typically used for bloody diarrhoea; seek medical advice.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionThis medicine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. The active metabolite, tizoxanide, reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1 to 2 hours.
DistributionTizoxanide is widely distributed in body tissues, including the intestinal mucosa, liver, and bile. It is highly protein-bound in plasma.
Protein BindingTizoxanide is approximately 99% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismThis medicine is rapidly hydrolysed to tizoxanide, which undergoes further metabolism primarily by glucuronidation and to a lesser extent by sulfation in the liver.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of tizoxanide is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
ExcretionThis medicine and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the faeces (about two-thirds) and urine (about one-third).
BioavailabilityThe oral bioavailability of this medicine is approximately 70% when taken with food.
Onset of ActionThe onset of action is typically within 1 to 2 hours after oral administration.
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma concentration of tizoxanide is reached in about 1 to 2 hours.
Duration of ActionThe duration of action is not well established, but therapeutic effects are usually seen within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment.

How It Works

This medicine works by inhibiting the enzyme pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), which is essential for anaerobic energy metabolism in susceptible parasites and bacteria. This disruption leads to impaired energy production and ultimately death of the organism. In viruses, this medicine may interfere with viral replication by inhibiting the synthesis of viral proteins, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

Mechanism Steps

1
Absorption and conversion: After oral administration, this medicine is absorbed and rapidly converted to its active metabolite, tizoxanide.
2
Enzyme inhibition: Tizoxanide inhibits pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) in susceptible organisms.
3
Energy disruption: Inhibition of PFOR disrupts anaerobic energy production, leading to impaired metabolism and cell death of the parasite.
4
Antiviral action: In viral infections, this medicine may interfere with viral protein synthesis, though the exact mechanism is not fully established.

💡 How to Take nitarid 100mg/5ml syrup

Strength: Oral suspension: 100 mg/5 mL

1Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the medicine is evenly mixed.
2Use the measuring cup or syringe provided to measure the correct dose.
3Take this medicine with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
4Swallow the suspension directly; do not mix with other liquids unless instructed.
5Wash the measuring device after each use.
6Complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of this medicine is 500 mg (25 mL of the 100 mg/5 mL suspension) every 12 hours for 3 days for cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis. For other indications, the dose may vary. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Always follow your doctor's prescription.
Pediatric DosageFor children aged 1-11 years, the dose is based on body weight: 100 mg (5 mL) every 12 hours for 3 days for children weighing 10-15 kg; 200 mg (10 mL) every 12 hours for 3 days for children weighing 16-25 kg; 300 mg (15 mL) every 12 hours for 3 days for children weighing 26-35 kg; 400 mg (20 mL) every 12 hours for 3 days for children weighing 36-45 kg. For children over 12 years, the adult dose is used. Pediatric dosing must be determined by a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageNo specific dose adjustment is recommended for elderly patients based on age alone. However, because elderly patients may have decreased renal or hepatic function, dose should be selected with caution and monitored appropriately.
Renal ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. In severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min), this medicine should be used with caution and under medical supervision.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. In severe hepatic impairment, this medicine should be used with caution and under medical supervision.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended daily dose for adults is 1000 mg (50 mL of the 100 mg/5 mL suspension) per day, divided into two doses. For children, the maximum daily dose is based on weight and should not exceed the adult dose.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Food increases the bioavailability of this medicine.
Grapefruit
No known interaction
No significant interaction reported.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than 6 hours have passed since the missed dose
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than 6 hours have passed since the missed dose
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of nitarid 100mg/5ml syrup

✅ Common Side Effects

Abdominal pain (Common (1-10%))
Usually resolves on its own. If persistent or severe, consult your doctor.
Diarrhoea (Common (1-10%))
Stay hydrated. If it worsens, contact your doctor.
Nausea (Common (1-10%))
Take with food to reduce nausea. If it continues, consult your doctor.
Headache (Common (1-10%))
Rest and stay hydrated. If severe, seek medical advice.
Vomiting (Common (1-10%))
Take small sips of water. If vomiting persists, consult your doctor.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Jaundice (Rare (<0.1%))
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice yellowing of skin or eyes.
Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) (Very rare (<0.01%))
Stop the medicine and seek emergency care if you develop a severe rash with blistering or peeling skin.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Dizziness
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Elevated liver enzymes
Your doctor may monitor liver function. Report any abdominal pain or yellowing of skin.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Warfarin Major
Methotrexate Moderate
Antacids Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Warfarin

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Methotrexate

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may worsen gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and abdominal pain. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to nitazoxanide or any component of the formulation","Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) without medical supervision","Severe hepatic impairment without medical supervision"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["This medicine should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver or kidney function.","Do not use this medicine for prolonged periods without medical supervision.","If symptoms persist after completing the course, consult your doctor.","This medicine may cause dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Keep out of reach of children and store safely."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in human breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in breast milk, caution should be exercised when this medicine is administered to a nursing woman. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

💊 Overdose Management

There is no specific antidote for overdose with this medicine. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion is recent. Monitor vital signs and provide supportive care.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Also, tell your doctor about any kidney or liver problems, or if you have a weakened immune system. Do not share this medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the medicine is evenly mixed. Use a proper measuring device to get the correct dose. Do not take more than the prescribed amount. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, contact your doctor.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may have reduced renal or hepatic function, which can affect the elimination of this medicine. Use with caution and monitor for side effects. No specific dose adjustment is recommended based on age alone, but individualization is advised.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor before taking this medicine. It is Pregnancy Category B, meaning animal studies show no risk, but human data are limited. Use only if clearly needed.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

If you have recently undergone surgery, inform your surgeon and anaesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. There are no specific restrictions, but your overall health status should be considered.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine. There are no known interactions with dental anaesthetics or procedures, but it is important for your dentist to know your medication history.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Maintain good hand hygiene to prevent reinfection.
🥗
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially during diarrhoea.
😴
Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
💧
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can worsen diarrhoea and dehydration.
🧘
Get adequate rest to help your body recover from the infection.
🌞
Practice safe food and water precautions when travelling.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

If you are experiencing diarrhoea and weakness, avoid strenuous exercise until you recover. Light activity like walking may be fine if you feel up to it. Stay hydrated and listen to your body.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Stay well hydrated with oral rehydration solutions.
Eat bland foods such as rice, bananas, and toast.
Avoid spicy, greasy, or high-fibre foods until diarrhoea resolves.
Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt to support gut health.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause dizziness in some people. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. If you have diarrhoea, you may need to take time off work to rest and recover. Most people can resume normal activities within a few days.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Stop taking this medicine only after completing the prescribed course, unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you experience severe side effects such as an allergic reaction, stop immediately and seek medical help. Do not stop early even if you feel better, as this may lead to recurrence of infection.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine beyond the recommended duration is not advised without medical supervision. Prolonged use may lead to unnecessary exposure and potential side effects. There is no evidence of serious long-term effects when used for short courses as prescribed. If you require repeated courses, consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Oral rehydration therapy

Essential for managing dehydration caused by diarrhoea.

Evidence: Well-established
Probiotics

May help restore gut flora and reduce duration of diarrhoea.

Evidence: Limited
Zinc supplementation

Recommended for children with diarrhoea to reduce severity and duration.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are acutely ill with diarrhoea, it is best to postpone vaccination until you have recovered, as per general medical advice.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate or freeze

✅ DO

Keep in original container with cap tightly closed

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to another container

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✅ DO

Shake well before each use

❌ DON'T

Do not use if the suspension appears discoloured or has particles

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When travelling with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, especially for international travel. Store the suspension at room temperature and protect it from extreme heat or cold. If crossing time zones, continue taking the medicine at the same intervals as prescribed; you may need to adjust the timing gradually. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines in your destination country.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old man with persistent watery diarrhoea after a camping trip
He was diagnosed with giardiasis and prescribed this medicine. He took it with food twice daily for 3 days. His diarrhoea resolved within 2 days, and he completed the course. He reported mild nausea on the first day, which subsided.
💡 Lesson: Taking this medicine with food reduces nausea and ensures complete absorption. Completing the full course is essential to clear the infection.
👤 A 4-year-old child with cryptosporidiosis and diarrhoea
The child was prescribed weight-based dosing of this medicine. The parents used the provided syringe to measure the dose and gave it with meals. The child's symptoms improved within 48 hours, and no side effects were observed.
💡 Lesson: Accurate weight-based dosing and proper administration with food are key to safe and effective treatment in children.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine usually starts working within 24 to 48 hours. You may notice improvement in diarrhoea and abdominal cramps within the first day or two of treatment.

Q: Can I take this medicine with food?

A: Yes, this medicine should be taken with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.

Q: What are the common side effects?

A: Common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, headache, and vomiting. These are usually mild and temporary.

Q: Is this medicine safe for children?

A: Yes, this medicine is safe for children when dosed based on body weight as prescribed by a doctor. It is available as a suspension for easy administration.

Q: Can I take this medicine while pregnant?

A: This medicine is Pregnancy Category B. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine with other medications?
  • Will this medicine affect my liver?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • How long does it take to see improvement?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I take this medicine with alcohol?
  • Is this medicine safe for long-term use?

🔄 Substitutes for nitarid 100mg/5ml syrup

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can cure all types of diarrhoea.
    Fact: This medicine is only effective against specific parasites and viruses. It is not effective for bacterial or other causes of diarrhoea.
  • Myth: You can stop taking this medicine once you feel better.
    Fact: You must complete the full course as prescribed to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to prevent recurrence.
  • Myth: This medicine is safe to take without a prescription.
    Fact: This medicine is a prescription drug and should only be taken under medical supervision.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Nitazoxanide oral suspension 100 mg/5 mL

Brand Alternatives

  • Netazox oral suspension

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Nitazoxanide","class":"Thiazolide","primary_use":"Cryptosporidiosis, Giardiasis","route":"Oral","notes":"Broad-spectrum, well-tolerated"},{"medicine":"Metronidazole","class":"Nitroimidazole","primary_use":"Giardiasis, Amoebiasis","route":"Oral, IV","notes":"Effective but metallic taste, alcohol interaction"},{"medicine":"Tinidazole","class":"Nitroimidazole","primary_use":"Giardiasis, Amoebiasis","route":"Oral","notes":"Longer half-life, single-dose regimens"}]

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