Antiprotozoals for Giardiasis

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.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

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

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Hives.
• 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.)

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