Diloxanide+tinidazole
About
Diloxanide+tinidazole belongs to a class of medication called 'antiprotozoals' used to treat diarrhea and amoebic dysentery. Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools or a frequent need for bowel movement. Amoebic dysentery is an infection caused by any amoebae of the Entamoeba group. It causes intestinal inflammation, primarily of the colon. It can lead to mild or severe stomach cramps and severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in the faeces.
Diloxanide+tinidazole is a combination of two medicines, namely: Diloxanide and Tinidazole. Diloxanide (amoebicide) works inside the large intestine to kill the infection-causing amoeba (parasites). Tinidazole (antibiotic) damages the DNA (genetic material) of bacteria and protozoa and inhibits the formation of new DNA essential for bacteria's survival. Thereby, it kills microorganisms and prevents the spread of infection.
You are advised to take Diloxanide+tinidazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it based on your medical condition. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush or break it. Diloxanide+tinidazole is to be taken with food. You may experience common side effects like nausea, headache, dryness in the mouth, metallic taste, and flatulence in some cases. Most of these side effects of Diloxanide+tinidazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Diloxanide+tinidazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Diloxanide+tinidazole and consult a doctor before taking Diloxanide+tinidazole, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may harm the baby. Diloxanide+tinidazole should be used with caution in kidney diseases, liver diseases, peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, blood disorders, G-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Uses of Diloxanide+tinidazole
Medicinal Benefits
Diloxanide+tinidazole is a combination of two medicines, namely: Diloxanide and Tinidazole belong to a class of medication called 'antiprotozoals' used to treat diarrhea and amoebic dysentery. Diloxanide (amoebicide) works inside the large intestine to kill the infection-causing amoeba (parasites). Tinidazole (antibiotic) works by damaging the DNA (genetic material) of bacteria and protozoa and inhibits the formation of new DNA essential for bacteria's survival. Thereby, it kills micro-organisms and prevents the spread of infection. Diloxanide+tinidazole is also used in the treatment of giardiasis (infection in your small intestine), trichomoniasis (a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite), and appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Diloxanide+tinidazole
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dryness in mouth
- Metallic taste
- Flatulence
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Diloxanide+tinidazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Diloxanide+tinidazole and consult a doctor before taking Diloxanide+tinidazole, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may harm the baby. Diloxanide+tinidazole should be used with caution in kidney diseases, liver diseases, peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, blood disorders, G-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and sexually transmitted diseases. Diloxanide+tinidazole with alcohol may cause symptoms such as flushing, increased heartbeat, nausea, thirst, chest pain and low blood pressure. So please consult your doctor before taking Diloxanide+tinidazole.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Diloxanide+tinidazole may interact with HIV medications (amprenavir), antifungal medication ( co-trimoxazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole), heart or blood pressure medication (diltiazem, verapamil), antibiotics (ampicillin, doxycycline), Psychiatric agents (disulfiram).
Drug-Food Interactions: Diloxanide+tinidazole is not to be taken with alcohol, causing flushing, abdominal cramps, vomiting and rapid heartbeat.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Diloxanide+tinidazole may interact with patients with kidney diseases, liver diseases, peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, blood disorders, G-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsuming alcohol while taking Diloxanide+tinidazole may cause symptoms such as flushing, increased heartbeat, nausea, thirst, chest pain and low blood pressure. So please consult your doctor before taking Diloxanide+tinidazole.
Pregnancy
cautionDiloxanide+tinidazole may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before taking Diloxanide+tinidazole if you are pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it.
Breast Feeding
cautionDiloxanide+tinidazole may be unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before taking Diloxanide+tinidazole if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it.
Driving
cautionDiloxanide+tinidazole should be used with caution in driving. It may cause drowsiness or dizziness; please do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking Diloxanide+tinidazole if you experience such side effects.
Liver
cautionDiloxanide+tinidazole should be used with caution in liver disease. Please inform your doctor before taking Diloxanide+tinidazole if you have liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionDiloxanide+tinidazole should be used with caution in kidney disease. Please inform your doctor before taking Diloxanide+tinidazole if you have kidney impairment.
Children
cautionDiloxanide+tinidazole should be taken as advised by your doctor. Because dose adjustment is made according to age, weight and severity of the infection by your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which leads to indigestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol to treat your condition effectively.
- Avoid using tobacco.
- To cure your condition effectually, complete the full course of Diloxanide+tinidazole even though you find symptomatic relief.
Special Advise
- It is advisable to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to overcome medicine side effects.
- Do not skip doses and finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may increase your risk of further infection.
- Do not drink alcohol during or for 2-3 days after treatment with this medicine. You may develop nausea, vomiting, flushing and headache.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis): Amebiasis is an intestinal (bowel) illness caused by a microscopic (tiny) parasite called Entamoeba histolytica, which is spread through human faeces (poop). Often there are no symptoms, but sometimes it causes diarrhea (loose stool/poop), nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach) and weight loss.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools or a frequent need for bowel movement. It usually lasts a few days and often disappears without any treatment. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and dehydration.
Giardiasis: Giardiasis is an infection in your small intestine. It’s caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. Giardiasis spreads through contact with infected people. And you can get giardiasis by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea.
FAQs
Diloxanide+tinidazole is a combination of two medicines, namely: Diloxanide and Tinidazole. Diloxanide (amoebicide) works inside the large intestine to kill the infection-causing amoeba (parasites). Tinidazole (antibiotic) works by damaging the DNA (genetic material) of bacteria and protozoa and inhibits the formation of new DNA essential for bacteria's survival. Thereby, it kills microorganisms and prevents the spread of infection. .
Diloxanide+tinidazole causes common side effects like nausea, headache, dryness in the mouth, metallic taste, and flatulence in some cases. Most of these side effects of Diloxanide+tinidazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Diloxanide+tinidazole should be used with caution in kidney diseases, liver diseases, peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, blood disorders, G-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Take Diloxanide+tinidazole as soon as you remember it. However, do not take it if it's almost time for your next dose. Also, do not take an extra dose to make up for your missed dose.
Do not stop taking Diloxanide+tinidazole and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured.
