Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat pelvic, abdominal, soft-tissue, gum, and tooth infections and abscesses in the lungs or brain. It is also a preferred medication for certain protozoal infections, such asamebiasis, the intestinal infection giardiasis, the vaginal infection Trichomonas vaginitis, and the bacterial infection bacterial vaginosis.
Tinidazole is a related antibiotic used primarily to treat these same protozoal infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Metronidazole works by disrupting the production of genetic material by bacteria. As a result, the bacteria die. Tinidazole works in a similar way.
Metronidazole is usually taken by mouth but can be given intravenously. Tinidazole is taken by mouth.
Metronidazole and tinidazole can interfere with alcohol metabolism and can cause unpleasant side effects similar to those of a hangover including nausea, vomiting, flushing, and headache. Alcohol should be avoided while taking metronidazole or tinidazole and for 3 days after the last dose.
Metronidazole and Tinidazole
Common Uses | Some Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|
For metronidazole and tinidazole: Infections caused by certain protozoa such asTrichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia, and for bacterial vaginosis For metronidazole: Pelvic and abdominal bacterial infections,rosacea, meningitis | Nausea, vomiting* Headache* Flushing*, rash Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy) For metronidazole: Metallic taste, dark urine |
* These side effects occur especially if the medications are taken with alcohol. | |
(See also Overview of Antibiotics.)
Use of Metronidazole or Tinidazole During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Metronidazole should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy because birth defects are possible. (See alsoSafety of Medications During Pregnancy.)
There are limited data on the use of tinidazole during pregnancy. However, because animal studies suggest a moderate risk of harmful effects on the fetus, pregnant women should not taketinidazole during pregnancy.
Women who are breastfeeding should not take metronidazole. Women should not breastfeed for 72 hours after a single dose of tinidazole. (See alsoMedication and Substance Use During Breastfeeding.)
