Nitazoxanide

Definition

A synthetic benzamide with antiprotozoal activity. Nitazoxanide exerts its antiprotozoal activity by interfering with the pyruvate ferredoxin/flavodoxin oxidoreductase dependent electron transfer reaction, which is essential to anaerobic energy metabolism. PFOR enzyme reduces nitazoxanide, thereby impairing the energy metabolism. However, interference with the PFOR enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction may not be the only pathway by which nitazoxanide exhibits antiprotozoal activity. Nitazoxanide is active against Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.

Also known as Alinia, Benzamide, 2-(acetyloxy)-N-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl)-, NITAZOXANIDE, Salicylamide, N-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl)-, Acetate(Ester) — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC P01AX per NCIT
• NCIT NCIT:C47637 per NCIT

Indications