Secnidazole
About Secnidazole
Secnidazole belongs to a group of medicines known as antibiotics used to treat various infections caused by bacteria and parasites (amoeba). It is prescribed for the treatment of diarrhea caused by microorganisms, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia. Additionally, it also treats vaginal and other bacterial infections. A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our bodies. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. Parasites (amoeba) infection is an intestinal (bowel) illness caused by a parasite (amoeba) known as Entamoeba histolytica spread through human feces (poop).
Secnidazole enters the bacterial cell as a prodrug without an antimicrobial activity. Secnidazole is converted to an active form by bacterial enzymes. Secnidazole slows the growth or sometimes kills the harmful bacteria and parasites (amoeba) that cause infections by damaging their DNA. It is bactericidal and works by killing bacteria that cause infections. Secnidazole does not treat a viral infection like flu or a common cold.
Take Secnidazole as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Secnidazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. You may experience headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vaginal itching, and vaginal yeast infection. Most of these side effects of Secnidazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Before taking Secnidazole inform your doctor if you have an allergy to other antibiotics. Before using this Secnidazole inform your doctor about your medical history. If you are pregnant talk to your doctor because it is not known whether Secnidazole will harm an unborn baby. Immediately contact your doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother, you may stop this Secnidazole for at least 4 days after your last dose.
Uses of Secnidazole
Medicinal Benefits
Secnidazole is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. kills the harmful bacteria and amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia) causing diarrhea. It is also used to treat veginal infections in adult women. Secnidazole enters the bacterial cell as a prodrug without an antimicrobial activity. Secnidazole is converted to an active form by bacterial enzymes. Secnidazole slows the growth or sometimes kills the harmful bacteria and parasites (amoeba) that cause infections by damaging their DNA. It is bactericidal and works by killing bacteria that cause infections. Secnidazole does not treat a viral infection like flu or a common cold.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Secnidazole
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal yeast infection
Drug Warnings
Before taking Secnidazole inform your doctor if you have an allergy to other antibiotics. Before using this Secnidazole inform your doctor about your medical history. If you are pregnant talk to your doctor because it is not known whether Secnidazole will harm an unborn baby. Immediately contact your doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother, you may stop this Secnidazole for at least 4 days after your last dose. Immediately talk to your doctor if you have rashes and swelling occurs after taking this Secnidazole. If you have blood disease or a history of blood disorders, and epilepsy then inform your doctor before taking this Secnidazole. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Secnidazole as it may cause side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Secnidazole have interactions with oral contraceptives (Ethinyl estradiol plus norethindrone), cholesterol-lowering pills (atorvastatin), a vaccine for tuberculosis (BCG), several antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin), pain killer (diclofenac), other antibiotics (metronidazole, tinidazole).
Drug-Food Interaction: The consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided as it may lead to flushing, drowsiness, and dizziness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Secnidazole should not be given to people who have taken vaccines.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDrinking alcohol with Secnidazole is to be strictly limited as it may lead to severe reactions.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether Secnidazole will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breast-feed while using Secnidazole and for at least 4 days after your last dose.
Driving
cautionYou should not drive if you experience any discomfort after taking this Secnidazole.
Liver
cautionSecnidazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionSecnidazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeSecnidazole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- If you have diarrhoea try to drink appropriate amounts of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- If you have minor diarrhoea (less than four stools daily) drinking caffeine-free soft drinks, juices or sport rehydration drinks can be sufficient.
- If the diarrhoea is more severe, specially formulated rehydration drinks should be taken.
Special Advise
Do not stop taking the tablets your infection may come back, inform to your doctor before you stop taking the tablets and follow their advice.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly of spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Few harmful bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine can make more prone to bacterial infection.
Amoebic dysentery: It is an intestinal (bowel) illness caused by a parasite (amoeba) known as Entamoeba histolytica spread through human feces (poop). Usually, there are no symptoms, but, sometimes it causes diarrhea (loose stool/poop), nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach), and weight loss.
FAQs
No, this is an antibiotic medication. You need to complete the full course even if you start to feel better to prevent infection return.
No. Secnidazole is an antibacterial medicine that acts only against bacterial infections and not viral infections like common cold and flu. You should not take Secnidazole without prior consulting your doctor. Self-medication is dangerous and can lower the efficacy of Secnidazole, leading to antibiotic resistance.
If you miss a dose of Secnidazole, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
Alcohol should be strictly avoided while taking Secnidazole. Furthermore, you should avoid alcohol even after 3 days of finishing the complete course. Drinking alcohol can lead to an unpleasant reaction with symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, headache, coloring, or redness of the face.
Secnidazole is safe if used in the dose and duration recommended by your doctor. Take it just as instructed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's directions carefully and inform your doctor if any of the side effects disturb you.
