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Initial treatment of giardiasis in nonpregnant individuals*

Initial treatment of giardiasis in nonpregnant individuals*

* Refer to the UpToDate text for treatment considerations in pregnant and lactating individuals as well as for alternative therapy options for nonpregnant individuals.

¶ Giardiasis can also cause extraintestinal symptoms, such as joint pains, ocular symptoms, rash, and failure to thrive. There are insufficient data to guide treatment decisions in patients presenting with only extraintestinal symptoms; management of these patients should involve infectious diseases consultation.

Δ Clinicians should engage in shared decision making with the patient. Refer to the UpToDate text on giardiasis treatment for further detail.

◊ If tinidazole is not available, nitazoxanide and metronidazole are alternative therapy options for patients ≥3 years of age.

§ Oral metronidazole is available as a tablet or capsule; however, an oral suspension may be prepared by a compounding pharmacy or from a compounding kit.

¥ Patients should be counseled to avoid alcohol consumption while taking tinidazole or metronidazole.
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