Secnidazole

What is secnidazole?

Secnidazole is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Secnidazole is used in women to treat bacterial vaginal infections.

secnidazole will not treat a fungal (yeast) infection.

Secnidazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine and for at least 4 days after your last dose.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use secnidazole if you are allergic to secnidazole or similar medicines such as benznidazole, metronidazole (Flagyl), or tinidazole (Tindamax).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine and for at least 4 days after your last dose.

Secnidazole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take secnidazole?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Secnidazole is taken in a single dose of one packet of oral granules.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

To use the oral granules: Open the packet and sprinkle the powder into a spoonful of pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

Drink a full glass of water after swallowing the oral granule mixture.

Do not dissolve secnidazole oral granules in any type of liquid.

Store the packet at room temperature until you are ready to take the medicine. Protect from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since secnidazole is used as a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of secnidazole is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while taking secnidazole?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Secnidazole side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may develop a vaginal yeast infection while taking secnidazole. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• vaginal itching or burning;

• redness or swelling; or

• white or yellow vaginal discharge (may be odorless).

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

• headache; or

• a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Secnidazole dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Vaginosis:

2 g orally once

What other drugs will affect secnidazole?

Other drugs may affect secnidazole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.