Nitazoxanide and Risedronate Sodium

• Generic Name: nitazoxanide
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Alinia

Nitazoxanide is an antiprotozoal medicine that treats infections caused by protozoa (single-cell parasites that live in moist places such as lakes, streams, and soil).

Nitazoxanide is used to treat diarrhea caused by Giardia or Cryptosporidium. These conditions are sometimes called "Traveler's diarrhea." Nitazoxanide is used in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Nitazoxanide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: risedronate
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Actonel, Atelvia

Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Risk factors for postmenopausal osteoporosis and related fractures include early menopause, advanced age, low bone mineral density (BMD), low body mass index (BMI), previous fracture or family history of fracture/osteoporosis, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, inadequate physical activity, low calcium and vitamin D intake, certain drugs (e.g., glucocorticoids), and medical conditions or diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, Cushing syndrome, hyperparathyroidism).

Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Used in men with osteoporosis to increase bone mass.

In addition to adequate intake of calcium/vitamin D and other lifestyle modifications (e.g., exercise, avoidance of excessive alcohol and tobacco use), experts recommend that pharmacologic therapy for osteoporosis be considered in postmenopausal women and men (≥50 years of age) with previous hip or vertebral fractures or low BMD; pharmacologic therapy also may be considered in postmenopausal women and men (≥50 years of age) with low bone mass, although there is less evidence supporting overall fracture risk reduction in such patients.

Use of a drug with proven efficacy in reducing fracture risk is recommended; bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, ibandronate) are recommended as one of several first-line drugs.

Individualize choice of therapy based on potential benefits (with respect to fracture risk reduction) and adverse effects of therapy, patient preferences, comorbidities, and risk factors.

Has been used concomitantly with hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.

Prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in patients initiating or already receiving therapy with glucocorticoids (at a daily dosage ≥7.5 mg of prednisone or equivalent).

American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommends optimizing calcium and vitamin D intake and lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, smoking cessation, weight-bearing or resistance-training exercise) in all patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy; in addition, pharmacologic therapy with an oral bisphosphonate is recommended in patients who are considered to be at moderate-to-high risk of fracture. Oral bisphosphonates generally are preferred because of their demonstrated antifracture benefits, safety, and low cost.

Treatment of Paget disease of bone (osteitis deformans).