Secnidazole

Secnidazole is a medication for a certain type of vaginal infection. This is an antibiotic drug that stops the growth of bacteria. This is an FDA-approved prescription that comes as a tablet for oral use.

Frequently Ask Questions About Secnidazole

What condition does Secnidazole treat?

Secnidazole is recommended by most doctors for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in women older than 18 years. This type of vaginal infection is caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina. Wherein, it upsets the natural balance. Bacterial vaginosis has the signs and symptoms of:

• Burning during urination
• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal odor

This medication is a nitroimidazole antibiotic that stops the bacteria from increasing and developing which causes the infection. Secnidazole only treats bacterial infections and will not work in viral infections such as flu or a common cold. 

How does Secnidazole work?

Secnidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial drug that shows selectivity in contradiction of several anaerobic Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and protozoa. The drug goes in the bacterial cell as a prodrug without an antimicrobial activity. Secnidazole is transformed to an active form through a decrease of nitro groups to radical anions via bacterial enzymes. The radical anions are supposed to interfere with the bacterial DNA synthesis of susceptible isolates.

Secnidazole is quickly and completely absorbed after oral administration. It has an extended terminal elimination half-life which is about 17 to 29 hours than generally used drugs.

What is the dosage of Secnidazole?

The dosage of this medication will be different for every patient. Follow the directions of your doctor on the label. The information below includes only the usual doses of this prescription. If your dosage is different, do not adjust it unless it is recommended by your doctor.

The total of medication that you take will depend on the strength of the drug. Also, the time allowed between doses, the number of doses you take each day, and the lengths of time you take the medicine depend on the medical condition for which you are using the medicine.

For vaginal infection caused by bacteria:

• For adults, take the medicine once a day.
• For children, the dose and strength must be determined by your doctor.

Each dose may be taken with or without food since the action of the drug is not affected by any food intake. After the first few doses, even if you feel better keep using Secnidazole for the full treatment time. Your infection might not be well if you stop using the medication too early.

What are the precautions in using Secnidazole?

• Secnidazole used for a prolonged time or in a high dose may increase the risk of side effects such as nerve damage. Take only the medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
• Always take the complete course of treatment as recommended by your doctor.
• When taking this medication, you may have side effects like stomach upset, nausea, and a metallic taste in the mouth. If any of these occurs, inform your doctor.
• During or for 2-3 days after treatment with this medicine, do not drink alcohol. You might develop vomiting, nausea, headache, and flushing.
• Let your doctor know if you have liver disease. Your dosage might need to be adjusted in severe liver disease.
• Your doctor must check your progress at regular visits. It is to make sure to check for unwanted effects and that this medication is functioning well.
• This medicine may increase your risk for cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
• This drug might cause a vaginal yeast infection. Check with your doctor immediately if you have white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor or itching of the genitals or vagina.
• It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
• You must not breastfeed while taking this medication and for at least 4 days after your last dose.
• You should not use Secnidazole if you are allergic to it or similar medicines such as benznidazole.
• Secnidazole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
• Follow the instructions of your doctor about any restrictions on beverages, food, or activity.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your face, throat, lips, or tongue.