Generic
Tinidazole
6 brands available in the market
At a glance
Tinidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal used for bacterial and parasitic infections. It eliminates infections by damaging the DNA of microorganisms.
Description
Tinidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole derivative with antimicrobial actions similar to metronidazole. It is active against protozoa (Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia) and obligate anaerobic bacteria. It damages DNA strands or inhibits DNA synthesis in microorganisms.
Indications
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Anaerobic bacterial infections
- Prophylaxis of postoperative anaerobic infections
- H. pylori eradication (in peptic ulcer)
- Intestinal amoebiasis, hepatic amoebiasis
- Giardiasis
- Trichomoniasis
- Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis
Therapeutic class
Anti-diarrheal Antimicrobial & Other Antibacterial Preparations
Pharmacological class
5-Nitroimidazole Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Tinidazole enters microorganisms and is reduced by ferredoxin, producing active intermediate compounds that damage DNA strands or inhibit DNA synthesis, causing microorganism death.
Mechanism of action
Eliminates infections by damaging microbial DNA.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Bacterial vaginosis: 2 g single dose (or 2 g for 2 days, or 1 g/day for 5 days)
- Anaerobic infections: 2 g on day 1, then 1 g/day or 500 mg twice daily (5-6 days)
- Postoperative prophylaxis: 2 g single dose (12 hours before surgery)
- H. pylori: 500 mg twice daily (with clarithromycin and omeprazole for 7 days)
- Intestinal amoebiasis: 2 g/day (2-3 days)
- Hepatic amoebiasis: 1.5-2 g/day (3-6 days)
- Giardiasis/Trichomoniasis: 2 g single dose
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- Intestinal amoebiasis (>3 years): 50-60 mg/kg/day (3 days); max 2 g/day
- Hepatic amoebiasis (>3 years): 50-60 mg/kg/day (5 days); max 2 g/day
- Giardiasis (>3 years): 50-75 mg/kg single dose; max 2 g/day
Administration
- Take with food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
- Complete the full course as prescribed
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Metallic taste
Precautions & warnings
- Do not consume alcohol (disulfiram-like reaction)
- Do not use in blood dyscrasias, organic neurologic disorders
- Do not use in the 1st trimester of pregnancy
- High doses or prolonged use increase risk of nerve damage
Contraindications
- Blood dyscrasias
- Organic neurologic disorders
- Hypersensitivity to 5-nitroimidazole derivatives
- Porphyria
- Pregnancy (1st trimester) and lactation
Drug interactions
- Warfarin: Prolonged prothrombin time
Food interactions
Alcohol is unsafe with Tinidazole (disulfiram-like reaction: flushing, palpitations, nausea, chest pain).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; do not use in the 1st trimester; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Caution required; hold breastfeeding until treatment is completed; hold for 12-24 hours after a single dose; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Indicated for children (>3 years, weight-based dosing)
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; no dose adjustment needed; additional half dose after hemodialysis; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Safe in liver disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; caution in severe liver disease; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; excessive doses may increase side effects; consult your doctor.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Tinidazole