Abstract | BACKGROUND: AIM: To search for treatment which can be offered with minimal investigation, we carried out a double-blind, randomized-controlled trial of nitazoxanide (a drug with a range of activity against parasites and bacteria). METHODS: Patients with diarrhoea of 1 month duration or longer were randomized to receive nitazoxanide (1000 mg twice daily) or placebo for 2 weeks. End-points were clinical response, parasitological clearance and mortality. RESULTS: Two hundred and seven adults were randomized; 42 died during the study. The primary assessment of efficacy was made after 17 days. Clinical response was observed in 56 (75%) of 75 patients receiving nitazoxanide and 45 (58%) of 77 patients receiving placebo (P = 0.03). The rate of improvement was markedly higher in patients with CD4 counts under 50 cells/microL receiving nitazoxanide (P = 0.007). The benefit was largely restricted to the period when the drug was being administered. No difference was seen in parasitological clearance between the two groups. Mortality was 19% by 4 weeks of follow-up and did not differ with treatment allocation. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | I Zulu, P Kelly, L Njobvu, S Sianongo, K Kaonga, V McDonald, M Farthing, R Pollok |
Journal | Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics
(Aliment Pharmacol Ther)
Vol. 21
Issue 6
Pg. 757-63
(Mar 15 2005)
ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England |
PMID | 15771762
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Antiparasitic Agents
- Nitro Compounds
- Thiazoles
- nitazoxanide
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Topics |
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(complications)
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Antiparasitic Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Bacterial Infections
(drug therapy)
- CD4 Lymphocyte Count
- Chronic Disease
- Diarrhea
(complications, drug therapy)
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Humans
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic
(drug therapy)
- Male
- Nitro Compounds
- Thiazoles
(administration & dosage)
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