A nitroimidazole antibiotic
Tinidazole
A medicine used for certain bacterial and protozoal infections, including some gut and genital infections.
What is Tinidazole?
Tinidazole is a nitroimidazole medicine, related to metronidazole, used for certain bacterial and protozoal infections — including some gut infections, parasitic infections and bacterial vaginosis. The most important caution is to avoid alcohol while taking it and for a few days afterwards, as the combination can cause an unpleasant disulfiram-like reaction (flushing, nausea and vomiting). It commonly leaves a metallic taste in the mouth.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Tinidazole — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Tinidazole is a nitroimidazole medicine, closely related to metronidazole, used in the UK for certain bacterial and protozoal (parasite) infections. These include some gut and genital infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, and certain parasitic infections. It is usually taken as a short course of tablets.
How it works
Tinidazole is taken up by certain bacteria and parasites and then damages their genetic material (DNA), which stops them surviving and multiplying. It is particularly effective against organisms that grow in low-oxygen conditions, such as those found in the gut and some genital infections. This is why it is used for specific infections rather than as a general antibiotic. It does not work against viruses such as colds or flu.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: An antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine.
A nitroimidazole medicine used in the UK for certain bacterial and protozoal infections, related to metronidazole.
Practical use
How to take Tinidazole
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take the full course exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better quickly.
- Take it with or after food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
- Avoid all alcohol while taking it and for at least a couple of days afterwards, including alcohol in some medicines and mouthwashes.
- Expect a metallic taste in the mouth, which usually settles once the course is finished.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next; do not double up.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Tinidazole
Advantages
- Effective against several bacteria and parasites, including some gut and genital infections.
- Often given as a short, convenient course.
- Works against organisms that many other antibiotics do not reach.
Disadvantages
- Requires complete avoidance of alcohol during and shortly after treatment.
- Commonly causes an unpleasant metallic taste and can cause stomach upset.
- Like all antibiotics, overuse can contribute to resistance.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important practical point with tinidazole is to avoid alcohol completely while taking it and for at least a couple of days after finishing, because the combination can cause a disulfiram-like reaction — flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. This includes alcohol hidden in some medicines and mouthwashes, so check labels. Many people notice an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth, which settles after the course ends. It is best taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Complete the full course as prescribed, and if treating a sexually transmitted infection, partners may also need treatment.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to tinidazole or related (nitroimidazole) medicines should not take it.
- Used with caution in people with certain nervous-system conditions or blood disorders.
- Generally avoided in the early part of pregnancy and used in breastfeeding only after advice; alcohol must be avoided throughout.
Monitoring
- Response of the infection and whether symptoms are improving.
- Blood-clotting tests if taken with warfarin.
- Any tingling or numbness with longer or repeated courses.
Side effects
- A metallic taste in the mouth, nausea and tummy upset are common.
- Headache, dizziness or, with longer use, tingling in the hands or feet.
- Rarely, allergic reactions, or a disulfiram-like reaction if alcohol is taken.
Key interactions
- Alcohol can cause an unpleasant disulfiram-like reaction and must be avoided during and shortly after treatment.
- It can increase the effect of blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, so monitoring may be needed.
- Always tell your team and pharmacist about all your medicines, including any containing alcohol.
Available as: Tablets, usually taken as a short course.
Answers
Tinidazole: frequently asked questions
What is tinidazole used for?
It treats certain bacterial and protozoal (parasite) infections, including some gut infections, parasitic infections and bacterial vaginosis. It is related to metronidazole and does not work against viruses such as colds or flu.
Why must I avoid alcohol with tinidazole?
Mixing alcohol with tinidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction — flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. Avoid all alcohol while taking it and for at least a couple of days after finishing, and check that medicines and mouthwashes do not contain alcohol.
Why do I have a metallic taste in my mouth?
A metallic or altered taste is a common and harmless effect of tinidazole that usually settles once the course is finished. Staying hydrated can help; if it is very bothersome, mention it to your team or pharmacist.
Should I finish the whole course?
Yes — complete the full course even if you feel better, so the infection is fully cleared and resistance is less likely. Stopping early can let the infection return.
How is tinidazole different from metronidazole?
They are closely related nitroimidazole medicines that work in a similar way, and both require avoiding alcohol. Tinidazole is often given as a shorter course; your team will choose whichever suits your infection best.
The wider class
About Nitroimidazole antibiotics
Tinidazole belongs to the nitroimidazole antibiotics class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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