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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Tinidazole

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Tinidazole

  • Important: do not drink alcohol while you are taking tinidazole as this will make you feel very sick.
  • Take tinidazole with or straight after a meal.
  • Remember to complete the course of tablets you have been given even if you feel better, otherwise your infection may return.

About tinidazole

Type of medicineAntimicrobial agent
Used forTreatment of anaerobic and protozoal infections
Before certain surgical operations to prevent infection
Also calledFasigyn®
Available asTablets

Tinidazole can be used to treat a variety of infections including gynaecological and dental infections. It is also sometimes used alongside other drugs to treat Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium which causes stomach ulcers).

It works by killing anaerobic bacteria and protozoa that cause infections. Anaerobic bacteria are ones that do not need oxygen to grow and multiply and protozoa are one-celled organisms that cause infections.

Before taking tinidazole

Before taking tinidazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver problems.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you have a dependency on alcohol.
  • If you have a disorder of the central nervous system or epilepsy.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take tinidazole

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • You must take tinidazole at regular intervals and complete the course you have been given. If you stop taking these tablets too soon your symptoms may return.
  • Swallow tinidazole tablets whole with a drink of water during or after a meal. Do not chew or crush the tablets.
  • Try to take tinidazole at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Important: do not drink alcohol while you are taking tinidazole and for 3 days after finishing the course. Note: some cough and cold preparations contain alcohol. Your pharmacist can advise you which preparations to avoid.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can tinidazole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickEat little and often and stick to simple foods.
Metallic taste in the mouth, furred tongue, loss of appetite and stomach upsetIf any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), unexplained bruising or bleeding or skin rash, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store tinidazole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Fasigyn®, Pfizer Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2005, accessed 6 July 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
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dils3226		Last Reviewed:
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