[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Nitroimidazoles](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/nitroimidazoles/) › Tinidazole

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Nitroimidazoles](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/nitroimidazoles/)

# Tinidazole

A longer-acting relative of metronidazole, often given as a single dose for trichomoniasis and giardiasis. Alcohol is avoided for three days after.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Nitroimidazoles](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/nitroimidazoles/)
- Target: DNA of anaerobic bacteria and protozoa (after reduction of the nitro group)
- ATC code: P01AB02

## Mechanism of action

Tinidazole is a nitroimidazole prodrug. Inside anaerobic bacteria and protozoa its nitro group is reduced to reactive radicals that damage DNA and kill the cell.

- Diffuses into the microbe
- Its nitro group is reduced
- Radicals damage DNA
- The microbe dies

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Well absorbed by mouth; taken with food.

**Distribution**
Reaches breast milk; breastfeeding is paused for three days after a dose.

## Indications

- Trichomoniasis (partners treated at the same time) [Trichomoniasis →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/trichomoniasis/)
- Bacterial vaginosis [Bacterial vaginosis →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/)
- Intestinal amoebiasis and amoebic liver abscess [Amoebic liver abscess →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/amoebic-liver-abscess/)
- Giardiasis

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Metallic or bitter taste
- Nausea, loss of appetite and tiredness
- Dizziness and headache

### Serious (rare, important)

- Seizures and peripheral neuropathy
- Severe allergic and skin reactions
- Severe liver failure in Cockayne syndrome (seen with metronidazole)

## Contraindications

- Allergy to tinidazole or other nitroimidazoles
- Cockayne syndrome

## Key interactions

**Alcohol and propylene glycol**
Disulfiram-like reaction; avoided during treatment and for three days after.

**Warfarin, lithium, phenytoin**
Their levels or effects may rise, as with metronidazole.

## What is monitored

- Neurological symptoms
- Blood count with repeated courses

## Administration and safety

- Taken with food to reduce stomach upset
- Tablets can be crushed in syrup for people who cannot swallow them

## Nursing care

- Teach to avoid alcohol until three days after the last dose
- Explain the bitter taste
- Teach to report numbness, tingling or seizures

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Animal studies showed little fetal harm; it is used in pregnancy when the benefit justifies the risk, since untreated genital infections also carry risks.

## Memory aid

«Tini is metro with a tail»: same mechanism, longer stay, one dose.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## How does tinidazole differ from metronidazole in practice?

It acts longer, so single-dose or short courses are common.

## How long is alcohol avoided after tinidazole?

During treatment and for three days afterwards.

## In which genetic syndrome are nitroimidazoles contraindicated?

Cockayne syndrome.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/tinidazole/)

## Related drugs

- [Metronidazole](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/metronidazole/)
- [Secnidazole](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/secnidazole/)

## Related conditions

- [Trichomoniasis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/trichomoniasis/)
- [Bacterial vaginosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/)
- [Amoebic liver abscess](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/amoebic-liver-abscess/)

[← Back to the class: Nitroimidazoles](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/nitroimidazoles/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [DailyMed - TINIDAZOLE tablet](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=95ab57b2-5d7e-4986-abcd-65edf1728383) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Tinidazole: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604036.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=P01AB02) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tinidazole/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tinidazole/