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Tinidazole

Where it is used and how does it work?

Tinidazole is used for the treatment of infections with anaerobic bacteria. This medication enters the bacterial and protozoal cells. It interferes with their genetic material called DNA. It damages the DNA and also prevents the bacteria and protozoa from forming new DNA. This ultimately results in Tinidazole killing the micro-organisms which clear up the infection.

Tinidazole kills a wide variety of bacteria that are known collectively as anaerobic bacteria. This means that they do not need oxygen to grow and multiply. Anaerobic bacteria can cause infections in areas of the body such as the pelvic cavity, gut, and gums. Tinidazole is used to treat these types of infections, as well as skin and soft tissue infections such as leg ulcers and pressure sores that are infected with anaerobic bacteria.

Tinidazole is also used as part of triple therapy to eradicate a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) from the gut. The presence of these bacteria in the gut is associated with ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. Duodenum is an area of the intestine directly after the stomach. Eradicating H pylori from the gut allows ulcers to heal and also helps prevent them from recurring. 

Tinidazole is used in combination with a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. It may also be used with the antibiotics clarithromycin or amoxicillin for this purpose. Proton pump inhibitors reduce the production of acid in the stomach and help create an environment in the stomach in which the antibiotic can work more effectively against the bacteria. They also help the ulcer to heal.

This prescription may also be used for the treatment of:

  • Bacterial infection of the blood
  • Bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissue
  • Bacterial infection of the abdomen
  • Vaginitis 
  • Painful inflammation and ulcers of the gums 
  • Amoebic infection of the liver or intestine
  • Protozoal infection of the urinary organs or genitals 

The bacterial infection is common and their effects vary. Bacteria are small organisms that can invade the body that causes illness. These infections usually trigger a protective immune response. Children and adults of any age can develop a bacterial infection. It can infect any area of the body. A bacterial infection can spread throughout the blood as well. Bacterial infections are caused by the transmission of bacteria. You can be exposed to bacteria from other people, through the environment, or from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Bacteria are a rather single-celled creature, complex, many with a rigid wall, and a rubbery membrane surrounding the fluid inside the cell. They can reproduce on their own. Most bacteria are harmless and some help by digesting food, fighting cancer cells, destroying disease-causing microbes, and providing essential nutrients. It can be highly contagious and so you need to take special care to avoid spreading infections by washing hands, covering up when coughing and sneezing or not sharing cups and drink bottles.

Tinidazole is a type of medicine called an antibiotic. This helps stops the growth of certain bacteria and parasites. This antibiotic treats only certain bacterial and parasitic infections. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription. Tinidazole comes as a tablet with dosage strengths of 250 mg and 500 mg for oral use. 

How to use Tinidazole?

Take this medication by mouth usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. To prevent stomach upset, take this medication with food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight. The tablet is to be swallowed as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. 

Take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times for the best effect. Take this medication at the same time and in the same way every day as well. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a short time. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. If you missed a dose, call your doctor for instructions. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose. 

What are the side effects of Tinidazole?

Common side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Vaginal itching or discharge
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Dizziness 
  • Headache
  • A metallic or bitter taste in your mouth

Call your doctor right away if you have these side effects:

  • Numbness
  • Burning pain
  • Tingly feeling
  • Fever or chills
  • Body aches
  • Flu symptoms 
  • Seizure or convulsions 

If you have signs of an allergic reaction, call for medical help right away:

  • Hives
  • Trouble breathing 
  • Swelling of throat, lips, mouth, or face 

Warnings and Precautions

  • After finishing the course, do not drink alcohol while taking this antibiotic and for at least 72 hours. This can cause unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal cramps, hot flushes, nausea, headache, vomiting, and palpitations.
  • This drug may cause several side effects that could harm your physical or mental ability to safely operate machinery or drive. Although these are rare, you should be aware of how you react to this medication before operating machinery or driving.
  • This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor right away.
  • This is not recommended for use in people with blood disorders or a history of blood disorders, who have a condition that affects the central nervous system, or the first three months of pregnancy.
  • This prescription should be used with caution in people with a history of liver disease, kidney dialysis, or certain blood disorders. 
  • Let your doctor know if you have any other medications including vitamins or food/herbal supplements. 
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding women, consult your doctor first before taking Tinidazole.