Uses
Tinidazole is used to treat trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease that can affect men and women), giardiasis (an infection of the intestine that can cause diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps), and amebiasis (an infection of the intestine that can cause diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps and can spread to other organs such as the liver). Tinidazole is also used to treat bacterial vaginosis (an infection caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina) in women. Tinidazole is in a class of medications called nitroimidazole antimicrobials. It works by killing the organisms that can cause infection.
Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Side Effects Of Tinidazole
Tinidazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- sharp, unpleasant metallic taste
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- stomach pain or cramps
- headache
- tiredness or weakness
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- seizures
- numbness or tingling of hands or feet
- rash
- hives
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking tinidazole:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tinidazole, metronidazole (Flagyl), secnidazole (Solosec), or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), cimetidine (Tagamet); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), fluorouracil (Adrucil ), ketoconazole (Nizoral), lithium (Lithobid), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Cerebyx, Dilantin, Phenytek), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifater, in Rifamate), and tacrolimus (Prograf, Envarsus). Also, tell your doctor if you are taking disulfiram (Antabuse) or have stopped taking it within the past 2 weeks. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with tinidazole, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- if you are taking cholestyramine (Questran), you should not take it at the same time that you take tinidazole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to space doses of these medications.
- tell your doctor if you have a yeast infection now; if you are being treated with dialysis (mechanical removal of waste in patients with kidney failure); or if you have or have ever had seizures or nervous system, blood, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking tinidazole, call your doctor. Do not breastfeed while you are taking tinidazole and for 3 days after you finish your treatment.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking tinidazole.
- know that you should not drink alcoholic beverages or take products with alcohol or propylene glycol while you are taking this medication and for 3 days afterward. Alcohol and propylene glycol may cause an upset stomach, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, sweating, and flushing (redness of the face).
Tinidazole Dosage
Tinidazole comes as a suspension (liquid) prepared by the pharmacist and a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food as a single dose or once a day for 2 to 5 days. To help you remember to take tinidazole (if you are to take it for more than one day), take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tinidazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Take tinidazole until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking tinidazole too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely cured and bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to tinidazole. Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking tinidazole.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the tinidazole, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
