Generic
Secnidazole
10 brands available in the market
At a glance
Secnidazole is an antibiotic and antiparasitic drug used for the treatment of intestinal amoebiasis, hepatic amoebiasis, trichomoniasis, and giardiasis. It eliminates infections by damaging the DNA of microorganisms.
Description
Secnidazole is a nitroimidazole derivative that diffuses into microorganisms and is reduced by ferredoxin, producing active intermediate compounds that damage DNA and cause cell death. It is active against E. histolytica, G. lamblia, T. vaginalis, Clostridium spp, B. fragilis, and Gardnerella spp.
Indications
- Intestinal amoebiasis
- Hepatic amoebiasis
- Urethritis and vaginitis due to Trichomonas vaginalis
- Giardiasis
Therapeutic class
Amoebicides & Antiprotozoal
Pharmacological class
Nitroimidazole Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Secnidazole diffuses into microorganisms and is reduced by ferredoxin to produce active intermediate compounds that damage DNA, inhibiting cell division and causing microorganism death.
Mechanism of action
Eliminates infections by damaging microbial DNA.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Trichomoniasis/Amoebiasis/Giardiasis: 2 g single dose
- Severe invasive amoebiasis: 1.5 g/day (single or divided) for 5 days
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- Trichomoniasis/Amoebiasis/Giardiasis: 30 mg/kg single dose
- Severe invasive amoebiasis: 30 mg/kg/day for 5 days
Administration
- Take with food (preferably before meals)
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
- Complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- GI disturbances (nausea, epigastric pain)
- Metallic taste, glossitis, stomatitis
- Headache
Occasional:
- Urticaria, moderate leukopenia (reversible on discontinuation)
Rare:
- Vertigo, ataxia, paresthesia, peripheral neuropathy
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use in the first trimester of pregnancy or during lactation
- Avoid alcohol (Antabuse effect)
- Avoid in history of blood dyscrasia
- Dose adjustment may be needed in liver disease
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to imidazole derivatives
- First trimester of pregnancy
- Lactation
Drug interactions
- Disulfiram: May cause psychotic reactions; avoid concomitant use
- Alcohol: Disulfiram-like reaction
- Cimetidine: May prolong half-life
- Warfarin: May potentiate anticoagulant effect and increase bleeding risk
Food interactions
Alcohol is unsafe with Secnidazole (Disulfiram-like reaction: flushing, palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be used after the first trimester; unsafe in the first trimester; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Secnidazole is found in placenta and breast milk; caution required; hold breastfeeding until treatment is completed; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Indicated for children (weight-based dosing)
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information in kidney disease; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Safe in liver disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Limited overdose information; excessive doses may increase side effects; consult your doctor.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from heat; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Secnidazole