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Article: New drug for parasitic infections in children. (Updates).(Alinia)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- FDA Consumer
- Article date:
- May 1, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Government Printing Office. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The FDA has approved Alinia (nitazoxanide) for Oral Suspension to treat diarrhea caused by two parasitic infections--cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis--in children ages 1 through 11. Alinia is the first drug approved specifically to treat cryptosporidiosis, and it's the only drug in suspension form that is approved to treat giardiasis in this age group.
Cryptosporidiosis, an illness caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum, is characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting. Infected people may experience no symptoms, acute diarrhea, or persistent diarrhea that may continue for several weeks. The disease ...