Treatment of Giardiasis

First-line Treatment

• The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends tinidazole as the primary treatment for giardiasis due to its single-dose regimen and high efficacy, with cure rates ranging from 80% to 100% 1, 2
• Tinidazole is available in tablets that can be crushed for easier administration, and is FDA approved for children ≥3 years, with a recommended dose of 50 mg/kg oral single dose 1

Alternative Treatments

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends metronidazole as an effective second-line option, with a recommended dose of 250 mg three times daily for 5 days in adults, and 15 mg/kg/day divided into three doses for 5 days in children 1, 2, 3, 4
• Metronidazole can be compounded from tablets for pediatric suspension, though commercial pediatric suspension is not available 1

Special Populations

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consulting with a pediatric specialist for children under 3 years, as tinidazole is only approved for children ≥3 years 1