Tinidazole, 1-[2-(ethylsulfonyl)ethyl]-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, is a nitroimidazole drug similar to metronidazole. It was synthesized in 1969 and it has a similar activity profile as metronidazole in vitro, including efficacy against Trichomonas vaginalis. Like metronidazole, tinidazole is useful for other parasitic and also anaerobic bacterial infections. 

Uses

Tinidazole is an effective drug when given orally for the treatment of urogenital trichomoniasis in both males and females. Wherever possible, the patient's sexual partner should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection. A high cure rate was obtained when the drug was given in an oral dose of 150 mg twice daily for 7 days, or 150 mg three times daily for 5 days. Following the successful use of single-dose metronidazole treatment for trichomoniasis, tinidazole is now also used in this manner. A single oral dose of 2 g tinidazole results in cure inW90% of cases.

Mechanism of action

Tinidazole is thought that tinidazole has a similar mechanism of action as metronidazole, whereby it damages DNA and prevents DNA synthesis.

Side-effects

As with metronidazole, side-effects with tinidazole are usually mild and infrequent (Roe, 1985). If the drug is used for more prolonged periods than currently advocated, patients should be carefully observed for side-effects similar to those which have occurred with prolonged metronidazole therapy. Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth are the most common side-effects, especially when large single doses are administered (for example, for treatment of giardiasis). 

Patients should be particularly warned about the potential for transient taste changes. Malaise, vertigo, pruritus, headache, constipation, and skin rashes have all been reported. The Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee has received a number of reports of hypersensitivity reactions, the majority being severe, with urticaria, laryngeal edema, hypotension, and bronchospasm occurring in patients given tinidazole.