Drugs for treating giardiasis
Granados CE, Reveiz L, Uribe LG, Criollo CP
Published in Cochrane Database Syst Rev, Vol. 12 (12), pp. CD007787
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomised trials (1817 participants, 1441 of them children) comparing metronidazole for 5 to 10 days with albendazole, mebendazole, tinidazole, single-dose metronidazole or nitazoxanide for giardiasis.
Key Findings
Once-daily albendazole was probably as effective as metronidazole for parasitological cure (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.03; 10 trials, moderate-quality evidence) and symptom improvement (RR 0.98), with fewer gastrointestinal side effects (RR 0.29). Evidence on mebendazole, tinidazole and nitazoxanide was very low quality.
Conclusions
Albendazole may be as effective as metronidazole for giardiasis, with fewer side effects and a simpler regimen.
Limitations
Included trials were generally small with poor reporting; follow-up was short (2 to 3 weeks); most reported parasitological rather than clinical outcomes.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.