Secnidazole

Secnidazole is a nitroimidazole derivative

DAE Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Solosec

• Nitroimidazoles

Secnidazole Secnidazole is a nitroimidazole derivative; 5-nitroimidazoles enters the bacterial cell as an inactive prodrug where the nitro group is reduced by bacterial enzymes to radical anions

It is believed that these radical anions interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis of susceptible isolates

Secnidazole is used for bacterial vaginosis in females

Indicated for treatment of trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis

Because trichomoniasis is transmitted sexually with potentially serious sequelae, treat partners of infected patients simultaneously in order to prevent reinfection

Hypersensitivity to secnidazole, excipients of the formulation, or other nitroimidazole derivatives

Patients with Cockayne syndrome

Common side effects of Secnidazole include:

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

1. Itching of the vagina or genitals
2. thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor

Less common

1. Pain in the vagina or genital area

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

1. Change in taste
2. diarrhea
3. headache
4. loss of taste
5. nausea
6. stomach pain
7. vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis may occur; symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis may require treatment with an antifungal agent

Carcinogenicity has been seen in mice and rats treated long term with nitroimidazole derivatives, which are structurally related to this medicine; avoid long-term use of secnidazole

Prescribing secnidazole in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria

Avoid chronic use; carcinogenicity reported in mice and rats treated chronically with nitroimidazole derivatives, structurally related to this drug; significance unclear

Severe irreversible hepatotoxicity/acute liver failure with fatal outcomes reported after initiation of metronidazole in patients with Cockayne syndrome

Drug interaction overview

• Alcohol

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages and preparations containing ethanol or propylene glycol during secnidazole therapy and for 2 days after treatment is stopped
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and headache reported when coadministered

Pregnancy

Data with this drug use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes

Lactation

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Indicated for bacterial vaginosis in females

1 packet (2 grams) of granules PO once as a single dose, without regard to timing of meals

Trichomoniasis

Indicated for treatment of trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis

Because trichomoniasis is transmitted sexually with potentially serious sequelae, treat partners of infected patients simultaneously in order to prevent reinfection

1 packet (2 grams) of granules PO once as single dose, without regard to timing of meals

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Secnidazole dosage form and strenght