| name | Secnidazole |
| classification | Antiprotozoal, Nitroimidazole |
| pharmacokinetics | Secnidazole is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 1-2 hours. It is distributed throughout the body, including the central nervous system. Secnidazole is primarily metabolized by the liver, and the major metabolites are inactive. The elimination half-life is approximately 6-8 hours. Secnidazole is primarily excreted in the urine. |
| dosage | | general | Dosage depends on the specific condition being treated and should be determined by a physician. Typical doses are listed below, but these are not a substitute for medical advice. | | adult general infection | Typically 2 grams once daily for 1 day. | | trichomoniasis | | option1 | 1 gram orally as a single dose. | | option2 | 500 mg orally twice daily for 7 days. |
| | giardiasis | Dosage should be determined by a physician and will likely be in combination with other medications. | | amoebiasis | Dosage should be determined by a physician. |
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| indications | | 1 | Trichomoniasis | | 2 | Giardiasis | | 3 | Amoebiasis | | 4 | Other intestinal parasitic infections |
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| safety pregnancy | Use in pregnant women only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Limited data exists on use during pregnancy. Not recommended in the first trimester unless critically necessary. |
| safety breastfeeding | Secnidazole may pass into breast milk, though the extent and effects are not fully known. Use during breastfeeding is not recommended. |
| side effects | | 1 | Nausea | | 2 | Vomiting | | 3 | Headache | | 4 | Diarrhea | | 5 | Abdominal cramps | | 6 | Metallic taste | | 7 | Disulfiram-like reaction (with alcohol) | | 8 | Flushing | | 9 | Dizziness | | 10 | Allergic reactions | | 11 | Liver dysfunction | | 12 | Blood dyscrasias | | 13 | Infusion-site reactions (IV forms) |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles | | 2 | Severe liver dysfunction | | 3 | Concurrent use of alcohol (due to severe disulfiram-like reactions) | | 4 | Pregnancy (unless clearly indicated by a physician) |
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| interactions | | 1 | Alcohol (avoid concurrent use due to high risk of disulfiram-like reaction) | | 2 | Other medications (consult a physician about potential drug interactions) |
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| warnings precautions | | 1 | Monitor liver function during therapy. | | 2 | Avoid alcohol consumption while taking secnidazole and for several days afterward. | | 3 | Use with caution in patients with kidney problems. | | 4 | Administer with food to reduce gastric upset. | | 5 | Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures or neurological disorders. |
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| administration form | | 1 | tablets | | 2 | IV (in some cases) |
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| important notes | This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Always seek professional medical advice. Adhere to your physician's prescribed regimen for optimal treatment. |
| patient profile | |
