Secnidazole

Generic Details

Generic Name

Secnidazole

Other Names

  • Flagentyl
  • Solosec

Drug Class

  • Antiprotozoal agent
  • Antibacterial agent

Chemical Formula

C7H11N3O3S

Molecular Weight

217.25 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Interferes with DNA synthesis in microorganisms

Indications

  • Treatment of bacterial vaginosis
  • Treatment of trichomoniasis
  • Treatment of amoebiasis

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Granules for oral suspension

Typical Dosage

  • Single 2 g dose for bacterial vaginosis
  • 2 g once daily for 2 days for trichomoniasis

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjustment may be required

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustments may be necessary in elderly patients

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Metallic taste in mouth

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to secnidazole or nitroimidazole derivatives

Pregnancy Category

  • Category B - Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women

Lactation Safety

  • Caution advised - It is not known whether secnidazole is excreted in human milk

Drug Interactions

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

Overdose Symptoms

  • Neurological symptoms such as seizures and peripheral neuropathy

Antidote for Overdose

  • There is no specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic and supportive

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration
  • Distribution: Widely distributed into body tissues
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Excreted in urine

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with a history of blood disorders or neurological disorders

Warnings

  • Avoid alcohol consumption during and for at least 72 hours after treatment as it may cause a disulfiram-like reaction

Others

  • Avoid driving or operating machinery if experiencing dizziness as a side effect