Uses

What is tinidazole used for?

Tinidazole is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • Trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite
  • Giardiasis, which is an infection of the intestines caused by a parasite
  • Amebiasis, which is an infection of the intestines caused by a parasite
  • Bacterial vaginosis, which is an infection of the vagina caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria

Tinidazole may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Organisms in some locations may have developed resistance to tinidazole, which will make it not work as well.

Tinidazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does tinidazole work (mechanism of action)?

Tinidazole kills certain types of bacteria and parasites by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA.

How is tinidazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Tindamax

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mg oral tablets 
  • 500 mg oral tablets

How should I store tinidazole?

Tinidazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect the medicine from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of tinidazole?

The most common side effects of tinidazole are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Metallic/bitter taste
  • Weakness, tiredness, or feeling unwell
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Indigestion, stomach cramps, or discomfort between your ribs and belly button
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of tinidazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of tinidazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of tinidazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tinidazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking tinidazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Seizures. Some people who have taken tinidazole have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking tinidazole and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Nerve Problems. Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, can happen in people who are taking tinidazole. Stop taking tinidazole and call your healthcare provider if you develop pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Vaginal Yeast Infections. Some people who have taken tinidazole have reported having vaginal yeast infections. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.

  • Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and vulva (the outer part of the female genitals)
  • Pain or burning when you pee
  • Pain during sex
  • A thick, white, odorless discharge, similar to cottage cheese
  • Watery discharge
  • Vaginal rash
  • Small cuts or tiny cracks in the skin of your vulva

Blood Disorders. Tinidazole may cause a temporary decrease in white blood cells, which can increase your risk of infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of a blood disorder. Your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if you can safely take tinidazole.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use tinidazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take tinidazole.

  • Tinidazole
  • Tindamax
  • Any other medicine known as a nitroimidazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific tinidazole products they stock.

Cockayne Syndrome. Metronidazole, a medicine similar to tinidazole, has been reported to cause severe, irreversible liver damage and liver failure in people with Cockayne syndrome, even leading to death in some cases. Because of this, tinidazole should not be used in people with a history of this condition.

What should I know about tinidazole before using it?

Do not take tinidazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Taking tinidazole in a way other than it was prescribed may increase the chance that organisms will develop resistance to tinidazole. This may cause tinidazole to not work as well in the future. Only take tinidazole for an infection if your healthcare provider has prescribed it for this reason. If symptoms of an infection return after taking tinidazole, contact your healthcare provider.

Do not share tinidazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep tinidazole out of the reach of children.

Take tinidazole with food to reduce the chance of an upset stomach.

Tinidazole can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how tinidazole affects you.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from tinidazole. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using tinidazole?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if tinidazole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Blood Disorders. If you have a history of a blood disorder, taking tinidazole could make this condition worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of a blood disorder. Your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if you can safely take tinidazole.

Pregnancy. Do not take tinidazole during your first trimester of pregnancy. It is not known if or how tinidazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take tinidazole while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tinidazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop tinidazole.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Tinidazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking tinidazole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Interactions

Does tinidazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between tinidazole and food or drinks.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking tinidazole and for three days after finishing tinidazole. Drinking alcohol while taking tinidazole can cause unpleasant symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, and flushing.

Does tinidazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking tinidazole.

  • Warfarin, which is a medicine used to prevent or treat blood clots in the body
  • Lithium (Lithobid and others), which is a medicine used for mood disorders
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others) or fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), which is a medicine used to control seizures
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others) or tacrolimus (Prograf, Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, and others), which is a medicine used to suppress your immune system
  • Fluorouracil (Carac, Tolak, and others), which is a medicine used used to treat a variety of cancers and skin conditions
  • Cholestyramine (Questran and others), which is a medicine used to treat cholesterol
  • Disulfiram within the past two weeks, which is a medicine used to treat alcohol use disorder
  • Any medicine containing ethanol or propylene glycol

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of tinidazole. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with tinidazole. Always check with your healthcare provider.

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Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much tinidazole?

If you or someone else has used too much tinidazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of tinidazole?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of tinidazole, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to tinidazole or other similar medicines.

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