Tinidazole

About Tinidazole

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics.

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

Tinidazole is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Fasigyn. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Tinidazole

Before taking tinidazole make sure your doctor, dentist or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney problems or blood disorders
• if you suffer from porphyria (blood disorder)
• if you suffer from epilepsy or any other condition that causes convulsions (fits)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Tinidazole

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Swallow tinidazole tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) with or immediately after food.
• It is important you take tinidazole at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course of treatment.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of tinidazole contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not drink alcohol while taking tinidazole and for 72 hours after finishing the course.
• Note: some cough and cold preparations contain alcohol.
• Tinidazole can cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside tinidazole.

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 pharmacist or doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), loss of appetite, furred mouth, unpleasant taste, upset stomach, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, darkening of urine or skin rashes.

Occasionally allergic-type reactions could occur such as nettle rash, swelling of the mouth or throat or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). If this occurs contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them 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.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 29/05/2003