Clinical Research Directory

Nitazoxanide vs Metronidazole for Entamoeba Diarrhea in Children

This randomized controlled trial is comparing two medicines, nitazoxanide and metronidazole, for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Entamoeba histolytica in children. The study is being conducted in the Department of Pediatric Medicine at The Children's Hospital \& The Institute of Child Health Sciences, Lahore. A total of 90 children with diarrhea caused by Entamoeba histolytica are included in the study. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives nitazoxanide, while the other group receives metronidazole. Nitazoxanide is given according to the child's age for 3 days, while metronidazole is given according to body weight for 5 days. The main purpose of the study is to compare how effective the two medicines are in improving diarrhea. Treatment effectiveness is assessed by reduction in stool frequency to three or fewer stools per day and improvement to normal stool consistency. Participants are also assessed for duration of hospital stay and other clinical characteristics. Stool samples are examined after treatment to assess for the presence of Entamoeba cysts or trophozoites. The study aims to determine whether nitazoxanide or metronidazole provides better treatment outcomes in children with Entamoeba histolytica diarrhea.