Home Drug Guide Tinidazole

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Tinidazole

Brand Names Tindamax

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiprotozoal, Antibacterial

Pharmacological: Nitroimidazole

FDA Approved Indications

  • Amebiasis (amebic dysentery), including intestinal and hepatic forms
  • Giardiasis
  • Trichomoniasis

Mechanism of Action

Disrupts DNA of microbial cells, inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, leading to cell death; selectively toxic to anaerobic protozoa and bacteria.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 2 g as a single dose or divided doses as prescribed; often for 2-3 days depending on infection

Pediatric: Weight-based dosing, typically 50-100 mg/kg/day divided into 1-2 doses for 2-3 days, adjusted per clinical protocol

Geriatric: Same as adult but with caution due to potential for renal or hepatic impairment, monitor accordingly

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution, monitor liver function

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well-absorbed orally with peak plasma levels in 2 hours

Distribution: Widely distributed including brain, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid

Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism, primarily by oxidation and conjugation

Excretion: Renal and fecal excretion, with some unchanged drug detected in urine

Half Life: 12-14 hours

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles
  • First trimester of pregnancy

Precautions

  • Use caution in hepatic impairment, history of encephalopathy, blood dyscrasias, or neurological disorders

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea (Common)
  • Dry mouth (Common)
  • Dizziness (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Seizures (Rare)
  • Peripheral neuropathy (Rare)
  • Disulfiram-like reaction (alcohol intolerance) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Alcohol (disulfiram-like reaction)
  • Warfarin (increased anticoagulant effect)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess for history of neurological disorders, hepatic impairment; monitor for adverse reactions

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for neurological impairment
  • Risk for hepatotoxicity

Implementation: Administer with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs, monitor neurological status, liver function tests

Evaluation: Assess for resolution of infection and monitor for adverse effects

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset
  • Avoid alcohol during and 72 hours after treatment
  • Report signs of neurological impairment or allergic reactions

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential carcinogenicity in animal studies—use only as directed

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: N/A

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, ataxia, seizures, peripheral neuropathy

Treatment: Supportive care, activated charcoal if recent ingestion, hemodialysis in severe cases

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light

Stability: Stable up to expiration date on the package

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended for clinical use.