Examples

Albendazole is taken as a tablet.

Metronidazole comes in tablet and liquid forms. It usually is taken in tablet form for 3 to 7 days for treatment of giardiasis.

Nitazoxanide comes as tablets and as a liquid.

Paromomycin comes as a capsule. It is usually taken several times a day for 5 to 10 days.

Tinidazole comes in tablet form. It usually is taken for 1 day either in one dose or in several doses throughout the day.

How It Works

These medicines kill Giardia lamblia in the digestive tract.

Why It Is Used

These medicines are used to treat certain bacterial and parasite infections. They also are an effective treatment for giardiasis infection.

These medicines may be used if stool analysis or other testing shows giardiasis infection is present.

If your doctor thinks that your symptoms are caused by giardia, he or she may prescribe one of these medicines even before your test results are back.

How Well It Works

Albendazole cures giardiasis 35% to 96% of the time, depending on the dosage.¹

Metronidazole and tinidazole cures giardiasis in adults 80% to 95% of the time.^{2, 3}

Nitazoxanide is successful for treating giardiasis 65% to 85% of the time.² It is often used to treat giardiasis in children.

Paromomycin cures giardiasis 50% to 70% of the time.⁴

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Callor other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Hives.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hands or feet.

Common side effects of these antiprotozoals include:

• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Tiredness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Mild stomach pain or cramps, nausea, loss of appetite.
• Metallic or unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Metronidazole and tinidazole

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking metronidazole or tinidazole. Drinking alcohol while you are taking these medicines can cause headaches, nausea, reddening of the face, belly cramps, and vomiting. You should also avoid alcohol for at least 3 days after you finish your last dose of these medicines.

Nitazoxanide

Long-term use of nitazoxanide can cause the whites of the eyes to turn yellow. But the yellow color goes away after use of this medicine is stopped.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

Albendazole

It is best to take albendazole with food.

Advice for women

Albendazole

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. If you need to use this medicine, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy.

Metronidazole and tinidazole

These medicines are not used for pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

Nitazoxanide and paromomycin

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Credits