Drug Notes

Tinidazole (By mouth)

Tinidazole (tye-NYE-da-zole)

Treats infections caused by protozoa (tiny, one-celled animals). Also treats vaginal infections caused by bacteria. This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics.

Brand Name(s):

Tindamax

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk. Taking this medicine with food will help you avoid having stomach discomfort or upset.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• If you cannot swallow the tablet, it may be crushed in artificial cherry syrup. Shake this mixture well before drinking.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using phenobarbital (Donnatal®), lithium (Eskalith®), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), or tacrolimus (Prograf®). Tell your doctor if you use fluorouracil (5-FU®), rifampin (Rifadin®), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), cholestyramine (Questran®), oxytetracycline (Terak®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
• Do not drink alcohol or use preparations that contain alcohol (eg; certain cold or cough medicines) or propylene glycol. Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Wait at least three days after you stop using tinidazole before drinking fluids that contain alcohol.
• You should not use this medicine if you are using disulfiram (Antabuse®), or if you have used it within the past 2 weeks.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, kidney disease, nerve disease (such as epilepsy), or a blood disorder.
• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• If you are using this medicine for a genital infection, make sure that your sexual partner also gets treated, even if he or she has no symptoms.
• Tinidazole may cause vaginal yeast infection. If this happens, you will need another type of medicine to treat the infection. Ask your doctor about this if you have any concerns.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, or painful urination.
• Fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Seizures.
• Unexplained sore throat or fever.
• Vaginal swelling, itching, or discharge.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, or headache.
• Dry mouth, or metallic or bitter taste.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Tiredness or weakness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017