Shortage of nitazoxanide tablets

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of nitazoxanide tablets, sold under the brand name Alinia by Romark Laboratories. The site at which this drug is manufactured is being moved. This drug is used for treatment of diarrhea caused by the protozoa Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia. Cryptosporidiosis is the most frequent diarrhea that occurs in children swimming in chlorinated pools. People whose immune system is weakened by HIV or chemotherapy may develop this disease. Alinia is one of many treatments attempted with unclear results. Giardiasis arises from drinking water contaminated with the feces of humans and animals. An antiquated name for the disease is beaver fever, no doubt from drinking the apparently clean water from beaver ponds.