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Secnidazole: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Secnidazole?

Secnidazole is an organic compound belonging to the family of Nitroimidazole antibiotics, used to treat anaerobic bacteria and parasitic infections. It is commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It is mainly an antiamoebic agent prescribed to treat amoebiasis caused by Dientamoeba fragilis, a parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia lamblia, etc., that cause infections in the lower gastrointestinal tract and the genital area.

What are the uses of Secnidazole?

Secnidazole is used to treat parasitic and bacterial infections, especially in bacterial vaginosis and amoebiasis. It belongs to the Nitroimidazole class of drugs wherein the therapeutic molecules stop the growth in anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen) by releasing free radicals to stop the DNA growth of that bacteria stopping its advancement. This drug is mainly used to kill the bacterial overgrowth in the vagina that leads to several symptoms like vaginal itching, foul smell, burning during urination, and vaginal discharge. It is also used to treat trichomoniasis, a protozoan infection in both males and females.

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    What are the side effects of Secnidazole?

    Secnidazole improves and inhibits the harmful bacterial overgrowth in the vagina and parasitic growth in both males and females. You may experience some side effects when taking this drug. If you notice any uncommon side effects, it is advisable to consult your doctor for further treatment. The most common side-effects are :

    • Vaginal itching.
    • Vaginal candidiasis.
    • Headache and dizziness.
    • Nausea and vomiting.
    • Dysgeusia – change of taste.
    • Fever and chills
    • Stomach discomfort 

    If side effects do not resolve, you must consult a doctor for further action.

    What is Secnidazole

    Uses of Secnidazole

    Side effects of Secnidazole

    References

    1. https://www.practo.com/medicine-info/secnidazole-502-api
    2. https://www.medindia.net/doctors/drug_information/secnidazole.htm
    3. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB12834

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Secnidazole

    Secnidazole is an antibiotic and an anti-parasitic. It comes under the broad spectrum of being called an antimicrobial drug. Secnidazole stops the growth of anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and protozoa. It is commonly used against Bacteroides fragilis, fragilis, a parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia lamblia, etc.

    There isn’t enough evidence or research that discusses the use of Secnidazole during pregnancy and whether it causes miscarriage. It is advisable to talk to your consulting physician before taking this drug. It may or may not affect your foetus, and it is the doctor’s discretion whether to prescribe this particular drug.

    There isn’t enough research or evidence on using Secnidazole during pregnancy and whether it terminates a pregnancy. Again, it is advisable to talk to your consulting physician before taking this drug. It may or may not affect your foetus, and it is the doctor’s discretion whether to prescribe this particular drug.

    There isn’t much information on the increase of blood urea and uric acid with this drug. It is advisable to consult with your treating physician before taking this drug. Your doctor will advise its appropriate use according to your medical conditions, hepatic profile, and ADME profile (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) of the drug.

    Secnidazole primarily affects women experiencing bacterial vaginosis. This infection is caused by breeding microbes in the genitalia of women because of the nature of the organ. However, certain parasites and amoeba also cause infection in men in their genitalia. Hence, this drug can also treat conditions in men. You must talk to your doctor and understand the best treatment plan for your infections.

    Flagyl is a generic name for the drug Metronidazole used against bacterial infection causing oral infection and skin infection. Secnidazole is a new generation drug that is more effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and parasites. Sometimes, Flagyl and Secnidazole, combined, are prescribed for various diseases.

    Secnidazole is used to treat amoebiasis caused by Dientamoeba fragilis, a parasite living in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. When there is an overgrowth of this parasite, it moves to the nearby organs and downward, affecting the vagina. An abundance of this parasitic growth causes unpleasant symptoms like foul smell, itching in the vagina, and irregular discharge.

    Secnidazole belongs to the class of drugs that can be called anti-parasitic or anti-infective. It is used primarily in the treatment of parasitic or bacterial infections. Intestinal worms, also called parasitic worms, reside in the intestinal tract causing discomfort. Secnidazole, in combination with other drugs, can be used to treat certain parasitic worms. It is advisable to consult with your doctor to understand the use of this drug to treat gut worms.

    Secnidazole comes under the class of drugs called Nitroimidazole antibiotics or antimicrobials. This type of antibiotic targets certain gram-negative bacteria by preventing their DNA multiplication, thereby inhibiting their growth. Secnidazole cannot be used for other viral, bacterial and fungal infections because of the drug's nature and its specificity.

    There isn’t enough research or evidence on the use of Secnidazole during pregnancy and whether it is safe for the foetus. Again, it is advisable to talk to your consulting physician before taking this drug. It may or may not affect your foetus, and it is the doctor’s discretion whether to prescribe this particular drug.

    To know more about the uses, side effects, and efficacy of Secnidazole, get in touch with our team of medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals.