Secnidazole

Secnidazole is used to treat bacterial vaginosis (an infection caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina) in females 12 years of age and older. It is also used to treat trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease that can affect both men and women) in people 12 years of age and older. Secnidazole is in a class of medications called nitroimidazole antimicrobials. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Secnidazole comes as granules to take by mouth. It is usually taken as a single dose as prepared, without regard to meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take secnidazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To take the granules, open the packet by folding over the corner and tearing across the top. Sprinkle all of the granules in the packet onto a small amount of applesauce, yogurt, or pudding. The granules will not dissolve. Take all of the mixture right away (within 30 minutes of preparation) without chewing or crushing the granules. After taking the mixture, you may drink a glass of water; however, do not mix the granules with water or other liquids.

Take all of the secnidazole granules at one time. If you take only part of the mixture and save it for later, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking secnidazole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to secnidazole, metronidazole (Flagyl), any other medications, talc, or any of the ingredients in secnidazole oral granules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• do not breastfeed for 4 days (96 hours) after taking your one time dose of secnidazole.
• you should know that you should not drink alcoholic beverages or take products that contain alcohol or propylene glycol while you are taking secnidazole and for 2 days after your final dose. Alcohol and propylene glycol along with secnidazole may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, sweating, and flushing (redness of the face).

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Secnidazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• unpleasant or metallic taste

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge (may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese), or vaginal itching

Medications similar to secnidazole can cause cancer in laboratory animals. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication.

Secnidazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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