How does it work?

Tinidazole belongs to a group of antibiotics called the azoles. It works by entering the cell and binding to genetic material (DNA). This prevents the formation of further genetic material and therefore stops the bacteria from reproducing.

Tinidazole is an antibiotic specifically used to stop the spread of infections which do not require oxygen to grow. These sorts of microorganisms commonly infect the gut, bones, brain and lungs.

What is it used for?

• Amoebic infection of the liver
  
  
• Bacteria of the gut that can cause ulcers (Helicobacter pylori)
  
  
• Infection that is caused by bacteria that grow without the need for oxygen (anaerobic bacteria)
  
  
• Inflammation of the vagina that results from infection (vaginitis)
  
  
• Painful inflammation and ulcers of the gums (ulcerative gingivitis)
  
  
• Parasitic gut infection caused by the protozoa Giardia lamblia (giardiasis)
  
  
• Prevention of infection (usually after surgery)
  
  
• Protozoal infection of the urinary organs or genitals (urogenital trichomoniasis)
  
  
• Sudden severe diarrhoea due to infection caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica (acute amoebic dysentry)
  
  

Warning!

• Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.
  
  
• Clinical and laboratory monitoring is required if treatment is greater than 7 days.

Use with caution in

• Impairment of brain function caused by liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy)
  
  
• Liver disease

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using this medication. The suitability of this medication depends on the stage of pregnancy.
  
  
• This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

• Avoid alcoholic drink whilst taking this medication.
  
  
• Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.
  
  
• Take this medication with or after food.
  
  
• This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Abdominal pain
  
  
• Fits (convulsions)
  
  
• Disorder of the peripheral nerves causing weakness and numbness (peripheral neuropathy)
  
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
  
• Bitter or metallic taste
  
  
• Sensation of a furry tongue
  
  
• Darkening of the urine
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Skin rashes
  
  
• Allergic reaction to active ingredient
  
  
• Dizziness

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Tinidazole should not be taken with alcohol as it may cause flushing, abdominal cramps, vomiting and an increased heart rate.

This medication may reduce the effectiveness of the combined oral contraceptive pill.

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