Nitazoxanide is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic and broad-spectrum antiviral drug that is used clinically in the treatment of various helminthic, protozoal, and viral infections. The anti-protozoal activity of nitazoxanide is due to interference with the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction required for anaerobic energy metabolism. As an antiviral agent nitazoxanide is active against many RNA and DNA viruses including influenza, hepatitis B and C, RSV and dengue and shows inhibitory efficacy against the coronavirus protease in vitro.
