In vitro activity: Some salicylanilides and salicylamides could inhibit HIV virus by targeting of HIV-1 integrase or reverse transcriptase. Hepatitis C virus could be potentially afflicted by salicylanilides on the level of two enzymes – NS3 protease and NS5B RNA polymerase. Nitazoxanide is a nitrothiazole derivative of salicylamide useful for the treatment of protozoal and bacterial infections with an extended range of antiviral activity and innovative mechanism of action, especially against hepatitis and influenza viruses or rotaviruses. Nitazoxanide, its metabolite tizoxanide and their derivatives are a very promising stream in the development of new antiviral compounds. Salicylanilides is potential virulence inhibitors attributable to a blockade of the type III secretion pathway. Many salicylanilide ester derivatives have been demonstrated an effective and promising treatment against pathogenic fungi and bacteria (especially against Gram-positive, tuberculous and atypical mycobacterial strains), including strains such as methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus and isoniazid-resistant mycobacteria which are resistant to one or more clinically used drugs.

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2011 Oct;11(11):956-67; Curr Pharm Des. 2011;17(32):3494-505.