Activity of Nitazoxanide Against Viral Gastroenteritis: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Introduction: Nitazoxanide is an oral anti-parasitic agent that has been found to have broad antiviral activity. Its role in the treatment of viral gastroenteritis is not well-studied. Given the worldwide prevalence of viral gastroenteritis, particularly in developing nations, a systematic review of this topic would be valuable. Methods: A formal literature search with the assistance of a reference librarian included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and case reports. Studies were included if they pertained to nitazoxanide use for viral gastroenteritis and excluded if nitazoxanide was used for parasitic or other viral illnesses. Results: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 5 randomized controlled trials (2 in Egypt and 1 each in Peru, India, and Bolivia) were included in the systematic review. Four of the studies enrolled children only; one study included adults. All studies noted a statistically significant reduction in time from the first dose of nitazoxanide to resolution of illness (approximately one to 2 days) in patients compared to the receiving placebos (approximately 3 days). There were 9 case series or reports on nitazoxanide use for viral gastroenteritis in immunocompromised hosts; of these, only one case reported a noticeable effect of nitazoxanide in reducing symptom duration and severity. Conclusion: Despite the limited number of studies and the potential risk of bias introduced by the funding source, a benefit of…
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