What is the drug daxon used for?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a clinical study, nitazoxanide, the active ingredient in the drug daxon, was shown to be as effective as metronidazole in treating giardiasis in children. This medication is specifically designed to combat certain parasitic infections, but what is the drug daxon used for and how does it work to treat these conditions?

Quick Summary

Daxon, the brand name for nitazoxanide, is a medication for treating diarrhea caused by the parasites Giardia and Cryptosporidium in immunocompetent individuals. It functions by inhibiting enzymes essential for parasitic metabolism, offering a therapeutic solution for specific gastrointestinal infections.

Key Points

Drug Identification: Daxon is a brand name for nitazoxanide, an antiprotozoal agent for diarrhea from specific parasitic infections.
Primary Uses: Treats diarrhea caused by Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum in immunocompetent adults and children.
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits the PFOR enzyme crucial for parasitic energy metabolism.
Administration: Typically a short course, taken with food.
Side Effects: Commonly mild side effects like headache, nausea, stomach pain, and discolored urine.
Not for Immunocompromised: Not proven effective for Cryptosporidium in immunocompromised patients.

The medication known by the brand name Daxon contains nitazoxanide, an antiprotozoal agent used to treat diarrhea caused by specific parasitic infections. It is primarily prescribed for giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis in adults and children over one year old with healthy immune systems. Daxon is not to be confused with 'Dexon' or 'Dapsone,' which treat different conditions. Nitazoxanide offers a short and well-tolerated treatment for these gastrointestinal illnesses.

Primary Uses of Daxon (Nitazoxanide)

Giardiasis

Giardiasis, caused by Giardia lamblia, is a common cause of persistent diarrhea. Nitazoxanide (Daxon) is an FDA-approved first-line treatment for giardiasis in immunocompetent individuals aged 1 year and older. A three-day course effectively resolves the infection. Studies indicate comparable efficacy to metronidazole with a shorter duration.

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis, caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, leads to watery diarrhea. The FDA has approved nitazoxanide (Daxon) for treating this infection in immunocompetent children (1–11) and adults (12 and older). Its efficacy is less clear in immunocompromised patients, where it is not an approved use. For healthy individuals, a three-day course is effective.

How Daxon (Nitazoxanide) Works

Daxon works by interfering with the parasites' energy metabolism. It inhibits pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), an enzyme crucial for anaerobic energy production in certain protozoa and bacteria. By blocking PFOR, nitazoxanide prevents parasite growth and reproduction, resolving the infection. It is rapidly metabolized into tizoxanide, the active form.

Administration

Nitazoxanide is available as tablets and oral suspension. It is typically administered over a short course. Complete the full course with food to enhance absorption and ensure eradication.

Potential Side Effects and Warnings

Nitazoxanide is usually well-tolerated with mild, transient side effects.

Common side effects:

Headache
Nausea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Discolored urine (yellowish)

Less common side effects and warnings:

Allergic Reactions: Seek medical help for rash, hives, or swelling.
Kidney or Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with these conditions.
Immunocompromised Patients: Not proven effective for Cryptosporidium in immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV.

Comparison: Daxon (Nitazoxanide) vs. Metronidazole for Giardiasis

When treating giardiasis, a common comparison is made between nitazoxanide and metronidazole:


Feature	Daxon (Nitazoxanide)	Metronidazole
Mechanism	Inhibits PFOR enzyme.	Affects DNA synthesis.
Typical Duration	Typically 3 days.	Often 5-7 days.
Formulation	Tablets and liquid suspension.	Tablets, capsules, IV solution.
Patient Population	Immunocompetent adults and children 1+ years for giardiasis.	Broad use; children and adults.
Alcohol Interaction	No specific contraindication mentioned in search results.	Avoid alcohol for 72 hours.
Common Side Effects	Headache, stomach pain, nausea, discolored urine.	Upset stomach, metallic taste, dizziness, headaches.
Cost and Availability	Brand and generic forms available.	Lower cost generic options readily available.

Conclusion

Daxon (nitazoxanide) is an effective antiprotozoal for diarrhea caused by Giardia and Cryptosporidium in healthy individuals. Its targeted action, short course, and mild side effects make it a good choice for these infections. It is not recommended for immunocompromised patients with cryptosporidiosis. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment for your condition. For alternative treatments like metronidazole, consider factors like side effects, duration, and alcohol restrictions.

For more information on nitazoxanide, see the U.S. National Institutes of Health: Nitazoxanide - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Daxon is a brand name for the generic drug nitazoxanide. Other brand names include Alinia and Nizonide.

Daxon is typically administered as a short course, taken with food.

Yes, Daxon (nitazoxanide) is approved for use in children aged 1 year and older for specific parasitic infections, usually as an oral suspension for younger children.

No, Daxon is an antiprotozoal medication targeting parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, not a traditional antibiotic effective against bacteria or viruses.

Common side effects, generally mild, include headache, stomach pain, nausea, and changes in urine color.

Nitazoxanide has not shown effectiveness against Cryptosporidium in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV, and is not approved for this use.

Yes, taking Daxon (nitazoxanide) with food is recommended to improve absorption and minimize stomach upset.