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Secnidazole

Information about Secnidazole

Secnidazole Uses

Secnidazole is used in the treatment of bacterial & parasitic infections. It is used in infections of the brain, reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, vagina, and other areas of the body.

How Secnidazole works

Secnidazole is an antibiotic. It kills the bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections by damaging their DNA.

Common side effects of Secnidazole

Headache, Nausea1a, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Vaginal itching, Vaginal yeast infection

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Saleh Rifai

BCMAS, Pharm.D

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

14 Jun 2020 | 07:59 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Secnidazole

Expert advice for Secnidazole

Always take the complete course of treatment, as advised by your doctor, even if you feel better.
It may cause side effects like nausea, stomach upset, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
Secnidazole used in a high dose or for a prolonged time increases the risk of side effects such as nerve damage. Take it only as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not drink alcohol during or for 2-3 days after treatment with this medicine. You may develop nausea, vomiting, flushing and headache.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease. Your dose may need to be adjusted in severe liver disease.
Secnidazole treats infections caused by bacteria and parasites.
It may also be used to prevent infections following surgery.

Frequently asked questions for Secnidazole

Secnidazole

Q. Is Secnidazole effective?

Secnidazole is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Secnidazole too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Secnidazole?

If you forget a dose of Secnidazole, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. Why is it harmful to drink alcohol while using Secnidazole?

Alcohol should be strictly avoided while taking Secnidazole.Moreover, you should avoid alcohol even after 3 days of finishing the complete course. Drinking alcohol can cause an unpleasant reaction (Disulfiram reaction) with symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing or redness of the face.

Q. Is Secnidazole safe?

Secnidazole is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. Can I stop taking Secnidazole when I feel better?

No, do not stop taking Secnidazole. Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Hence, if you stop taking the medicine before completing the course, your infection may come back. Consult your doctor before you stop taking Secnidazole and follow their advice.

Q. What are the side effects of Secnidazole?

The most common side effects of Secnidazole are headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vaginal yeast infection and vaginal itching. These side effects are usually not bothersome. But if you are concerned or if any of these persists for a long duration, consult your doctor.