Trecator SC: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety Guide

TL;DR:

• Trecator SC is a brand‑name oral suspension of the anti‑parasitic drug nitazoxanide.
• Standard adult dose is 500mg (250mg/5ml) twice daily for 3days; paediatric dosing is weight‑based.
• Most side effects are mild (nausea, headache, abdominal pain) and resolve after treatment.
• Avoid use if you have severe liver disease or are allergic to nitazoxanide.
• Take on an empty stomach, shake well before each use, and store at 2‑8°C after opening.

What is Trecator SC?

Trecator SC is the trade name for a liquid formulation of nitazoxanide, a broad‑spectrum antiparasitic and antiviral agent. It was originally developed to tackle intestinal parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum, but research over the last decade has shown activity against a range of viruses, including influenza and some coronaviruses.

In the UK, the drug is licensed for the treatment of acute diarrhoea caused by Giardia or Cryptosporidium in adults and children over one year of age. The “SC” suffix simply denotes the specific suspension concentrate used in the UK market - it’s the same active ingredient you’ll find in tablets sold elsewhere, just in a liquid form that’s easier for kids or people who struggle to swallow pills.

Because it works by interfering with the parasite’s energy metabolism, resistance has been rare, making it a reliable first‑line option for clinicians.

How to Take Trecator SC: Dosage and Administration

Getting the dose right is the most important part of any medication regimen. Below is a quick‑look guide; always follow the prescription your GP or pharmacist gives you.

• Adults (≥18years): 500mg (which is 250mg/5ml) taken twice daily for three days.
• Children 1-11years: 7.5mg/kg body weight, divided into two doses per day, for three days. The dose is usually rounded to the nearest 5ml to make measuring easier.
• Children 12years and older: Same as adult dosing, unless the prescriber adjusts for weight.

Key administration tips:

1. Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 10 seconds before each use - the suspension can settle quickly.
2. Measure the dose with a calibrated oral syringe or a medicine cup; kitchen spoons are not accurate.
3. Take the dose on an empty stomach (at least 30minutes before a meal or 2hours after).
4. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose - don’t double up.
5. Store the opened bottle in the refrigerator (2‑8°C). Discard any remaining suspension after 14days.

These numbers line up with the latest NHS guidelines (2024 edition) and reflect real‑world prescribing habits across England.

Potential Side Effects & Safety Precautions

Like any drug, Trecator SC can cause unwanted effects, but most people experience none or only mild symptoms.

• Common (1‑10%): Nausea, abdominal cramping, headache, and a metallic taste.
• Less common (0.1‑1%): Elevated liver enzymes, mild rash, or dizziness.
• Rare (<0.1%): Severe allergic reactions - swelling of the face, throat tightness, or hives. Seek emergency care if these appear.

When should you pause or stop the medication?

1. If you develop a high fever (>38.5°C) that persists more than 24hours.
2. If you notice dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes - signs of liver stress.
3. If you experience any sign of an allergic reaction (as listed above).

Safety checklist before starting Trecator SC:

• Inform your doctor about any liver disease, hepatitis, or chronic alcohol use.
• Disclose all other medications - nitazoxanide can increase levels of some anticoagulants and anti‑epileptics.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should discuss risks; limited data suggest it’s generally safe, but caution is advised.
• Check for allergies to nitazoxanide or any of the suspension’s excipients (often includes flavorings).

Drug interactions are relatively few, but two notable ones are:

1. Rifampicin: May reduce nitazoxanide’s effectiveness by speeding up its metabolism.
2. Warfarin: May increase INR; monitor clotting times if you’re on anticoagulants.

Always keep a short medication list handy and share it with any new healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Tips

Below are the questions we see most often from patients who have been prescribed Trecator SC.

• Can I take Trecator SC with food? It’s best taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. A light snack after the dose is fine, but avoid a full meal within 30 minutes.
• Is it safe to travel with the medicine? Yes, but keep the bottle in a cooler bag to maintain refrigeration. If you’re on a long flight, consider a portable mini‑fridge or ask the airline for a cold‑storage solution.
• What if my child vomits shortly after taking it? If it happens within 30minutes, give a second half‑dose. If more than 30minutes have passed, continue as scheduled.
• Do I need a repeat prescription? The standard course is three days. If symptoms persist beyond a week, contact your GP - you may need a different medication.
• Can I drink alcohol while on Trecator SC? Light occasional alcohol isn’t a major issue, but heavy drinking can strain the liver, which already processes the drug.

Pro tip: Write the dosing schedule on a sticky note and place it on the fridge. The visual cue will remind you to shake the bottle and take the dose at the right times.

If you ever feel unsure about side effects or dosing, call your local NHS 111 service - they can triage quickly without the need for an appointment.

Next Steps & Troubleshooting

After you finish the three‑day course, monitor your symptoms for another 48‑72hours. Most infections clear completely, but a small number of patients report lingering mild diarrhoea. In those cases, re‑hydration solutions (ORS) and a bland diet (bananas, rice, toast) help.

If symptoms return or worsen, you may be dealing with a resistant strain or a different pathogen. In that situation, your doctor might order a stool sample and switch you to a different antiparasitic, such as metronidazole.

Finally, keep a record of any side effects you experience. This data is valuable for your healthcare team and contributes to post‑marketing safety monitoring.