New Bugs/New Drugs: The FDA has recently granted marketing clearance to several new medications.

Nitazoxanide (Alinia), from Romark Laboratories, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of children who have diarrhea caused by protozoa. This agent targets Cryptosporidium parvumand Giardia lamblia.

Nitazoxanide is available only in liquid form and should be taken with food. There is no restriction on food or beverage intake or activity during treatment.

The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and headache.