Tinidazole
Indications
Tinidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine used to treat infections such as trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection), giardiasis (a gut infection causing diarrhoea), amoebic dysentery and amoebic liver abscess, bacterial vaginosis, and infections caused by anaerobic bacteria (germs that grow without oxygen). It is also used with other medicines to clear Helicobacter pylori in stomach ulcers, and to prevent infection after some operations.
How It Works
Tinidazole enters the germ and is changed into a reactive form that damages its DNA. This stops the bacteria or parasites from growing and kills them. It works only against certain bacteria and parasites, not against viruses.
Dosage and Administration
Take with or after food to reduce stomach upset. Usual adult doses: trichomoniasis and giardiasis, 2 g as a single dose (sexual partners should be treated at the same time); amoebic dysentery, 2 g once a day for 3 days; amoebic liver abscess, 2 g once a day for 3 to 5 days; bacterial vaginosis, 2 g once a day for 2 days or as prescribed. Doses for children are based on body weight and set by the doctor. Complete the full course.
Interactions
- Alcohol: can cause flushing, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache and a fast heartbeat. Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 3 days after the last dose.
- Disulfiram: do not use within 2 weeks of Disulfiram.
- Warfarin: increased bleeding risk; blood tests may be needed.
- Lithium, Phenytoin, Fluorouracil, Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus: levels may rise.
- Cimetidine, Ketoconazole, Rifampicin and Phenobarbital may change Tinidazole levels.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Tinidazole, Metronidazole or other nitroimidazoles.
- First trimester of pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 days after.
- Blood disorders or active disease of the brain or nerves.
Side Effects
Common side effects include a metallic or bitter taste, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach upset, headache, tiredness and dizziness. Dark urine can occur and is harmless.
Get urgent medical help if you develop fits (seizures), numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, confusion, severe skin rash or blistering, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use in the first 3 months of pregnancy. In later pregnancy use only if a doctor decides it is clearly needed. Tinidazole passes into breast milk; stop breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 days after the last dose.
Precautions and Warnings
Use with care in liver disease. Stop and see a doctor if nerve symptoms appear. Long or repeated courses may require blood count checks. It may cause dizziness; take care when driving. Vaginal thrush may occur after treatment.
Overdose
An overdose may cause severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness or nerve symptoms. There is no specific antidote; seek medical help for supportive care.
Therapeutic Class
Nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Tinidazole