Tinidazole: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Tinidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial medicine used mainly to treat certain infections caused by parasites or susceptible bacteria. It is commonly prescribed for trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, and is also used for giardiasis, amebiasis, and bacterial vaginosis in suitable patients. Generic tinidazole has been available since 2012-04-30 and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom.

Tinidazole is used for trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. It is also indicated for giardiasis caused by Giardia duodenalis, including in children older than three years of age. Amebiasis, including intestinal amebiasis and amebic liver abscess caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is another approved use in adults and children older than three years of age.

It is not indicated for asymptomatic cyst passage. Tinidazole can also treat bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant adult women. Other infections that can cause similar vaginal symptoms should be ruled out.

For trichomoniasis, sexual partners should be treated at the same time to help prevent reinfection. Tinidazole should be used only for approved indications and for infections proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible organisms.

Tinidazole belongs to the nitroimidazole group of antimicrobial medicines. After entering susceptible parasites or bacteria, it is changed into active compounds that damage their genetic material. This stops the organisms from maintaining and copying their cells, leading to their loss.

The medicine works against certain anaerobic bacteria and parasites, including organisms linked with trichomoniasis, giardiasis, and amebiasis. It does not work against every cause of infection, so the suspected organism and clinical diagnosis guide its use. Limiting treatment to suitable infections helps reduce the development of drug resistance.

The label lists 250 mg and 500 mg oral tablets, including film-coated tablets. The label lists a single 2 g oral dose with food for trichomoniasis and for giardiasis in adults. The label lists a single 50 mg/kg dose, up to 2 g, with food for giardiasis in children older than three years of age.

The label lists 2 g per day for 3 days for intestinal amebiasis in adults, and 50 mg/kg/day, up to 2 g per day, for 3 days in children older than three years of age. The label lists 2 g per day for 3-5 days for amebic liver abscess in adults and 50 mg/kg/day, up to 2 g per day, for 3-5 days in children older than three years of age.

The label lists 2 g once daily for 2 days or 1 g once daily for 5 days for bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant adult women. Doses are taken with food.

A missed dose can reduce the amount of antimicrobial medicine available to treat the infection. The appropriate action depends on the prescribed treatment schedule and the time until the next scheduled dose.

A pharmacist or prescriber can advise what to do. A double dose should not be used to make up for a missed dose unless a prescriber specifically advises this.

Published data in pregnant women are insufficient to identify the risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Tinidazole has not been studied for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant patients, and bacterial vaginosis treatment indications specify non-pregnant adult women.

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 72 hours after the last dose. A breastfeeding mother may choose to pump and discard milk during treatment and for 72 hours afterwards.

Store tinidazole tablets at controlled room temperature 20-25°C, with excursions permitted to 15-30°C. Protect the contents from light and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original container with the child-resistant cap closed, and keep it out of the reach of children to maintain quality.