Secnidazole 500mg is a common medication used to treat certain gastrointestinal diseases. To better understand what Secnidazol is, its instructions for use and precautions, the article below will help you learn more about Secnidazole 500mg.
1. What is Secnidazole 500mg?
Secnidazole is a derivative of 5-nitroimidazole. The drug has antiparasitic activity against: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and anaerobic bacterial activity.
Form and dosage
Film-coated tablet: 500 mg;
Ingredients: Secnidazole
2. Therapeutic Use of Secnidazole 500mg
Secnidazole is an antibiotic used to treat a certain type of vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis), by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Secnidazole is usually prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Liver amoebiasis;
- Acute intestinal amoebiasis;
- Asymptomatic intestinal amoebiasis;
- Bacterial vaginosis;
- Vaginal trichomoniasis;
- Giardiasis.
This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections and has no effect on viral (virus) infections (such as the common cold, flu). Using Secnidazol or any other antibiotics without doctor’s instruction may result in acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in the future, which are harder to treat.
3. Dosage and Instruction for Use of Secnidazole 500mg
In adults:
- Urethritis and vaginitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis: 2g as a single dose at the start of a meal. Sexual partners should also receive the same dose.
- Acute symptomatic amoebic dysentery (histolytica type): 2g as a single dose at the start of a meal.
- Asymptomatic amoebic dysentery (minuta and cyst forms): 2 g daily for 3 days, taken at the start of meals.
- Amoebic liver disease: 1.5 g/day, taken as a single dose or divided into multiple doses at the start of meals for 5 days. In cases of amoebic liver abscess, combine Secnidazole with pus drainage treatment.
In children (if applicable)
Intestinal amoebic dysentery:
Acute symptomatic amoebic dysentery (histolytica type): The single dose is approximately 30 mg/kg/day taken once, only used for one day.
Amoebic liver abscess: 30 mg/kg/day, taken as a single dose or divided into multiple doses at the start of meals for 5 days. In the abscess phase of the condition, combine Secnidazole with a pus drainage treatment.
Giardiasis: Dose of 30mg/kg/day taken as a single dose, used only for one day.
Instruction for Use:
If using a powder formulation, sprinkle the entire contents of one packet onto soft foods like yogurt, soft cakes, or applesauce, and mix well. Do not take or dissolve the powder formulation with water or other liquids. Consume the entire mixture within 30 minutes, without chewing or crushing the granules. You may drink a glass of water afterward to help swallowing.
Side Effects of Secnidazole
Commonly Side Effects
Gastrointestinal disorders with symptoms such as: nausea, epigastric pain, altered taste (metallic taste in the mouth), glossitis (Inflammation of the tonsils), stomatitis (Inflammation of the tissue lining your mouth or lips).
Hives. Vaginal Candida infection with symptoms such as: vaginal itching and burning, redness, abnormal yellow or white discharge.
Uncommon Side Effects
Mild leukopenia (Decrease in white blood cells), resolve upon discontinuation of the medication.
Rare Side Effects
- Intolerance or hypersensitivity reactions: Fever, erythema, urticaria, angioedema.
- Dizziness, loss of coordination, loss of balance, paresthesia, inflammation of sensory-motor nerves, seizures.
- Granulocyte deficiency, dark-colored urine.
- If doctors have prescribed this medication, they have assessed and concluded that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risk of the side effects. Furthermore, the majority of patients using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
- Sometimes, you may notice discomfort/itching/discharge from the vagina. These symptoms may be due to a new vaginal infection (such as a yeast/fungal infection). Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any changes to your vaginal symptoms or discharge.
- Severe allergic reactions to this medication are very rare. However, seek emergency medical services immediately if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- Not everyone experiences these side effects, nor is it a complete list of all possible reactions. However, if you have any concerns about the side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Adverse Drug Interactions of Secnidazole 500mg
Should not be administered with:
- Disulfiram: Causes hallucinations and confusion.
- Alcohol: Causes reactions such as flushing, redness, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat.
Combine with caution:
- oral anticoagulants, due to increased effects of oral anticoagulants leading to higher risk of bleeding due to reduced drug metabolism in the liver.
- Regular monitoring of prothrombin levels and INR (International Normalized Ratio) is advised during treatment. Adjust the dosage of oral anticoagulants during treatment with Secnidazole and for 8 days after discontinuing Secnidazole regimen.
5. Overdose, Missed dose, and Solutions
Overdose and toxicity:
When taking high doses of Secnidazole (up to 15g), it can lead to drug toxicity. Symptoms will include nausea, vomiting, and loss of coordination. Neurotoxic effects will include seizures and peripheral neuropathy within 5 to 7 days after an overdose has been reported.
Management:
There is no specific antidote other than symptomatic and supportive treatment. The drug can also be effectively removed from the body through dialysis.
Missed dose and management:
When you forget to take a scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, when the time is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. You should not take double the dose under any circumstances.
6. Caution when using Secnidazole
- Before using Secnidazole, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to the drug or any other antibiotics (such as tinidazole). This product may also contain excipients or inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions and other problems. Discuss this with your pharmacist for more details.
- Before using this medication, please inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history.
- Secnidazole can also render live bacterial vaccines (such as the typhoid vaccine) less effective. Do not get vaccinated while using this medication unless supported by a doctor’s recommendation.
- Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you are taking (including herbal products, prescription and non-prescription drugs).
- During pregnancy, this medication should only be used when absolutely necessary. You should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is not yet known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Since the medication has the potential to harm newborns, do not breastfeed while using or until at least 4 days after discontinuation. Consult your doctor immediately before breastfeeding.
Storage instructions
Store in a dry place at a temperature below 25 degrees Celsius, avoiding light.
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