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Tinidazole Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2024.

Applies to tinidazole: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Carcinogenicity has been seen in mice and rats treated chronically with metronidazole, another nitroimidazole agent.

Although such data have not been reported for tinidazole, the two drugs are structurally related and have similar biologic effects.

Limit use of tinidazole to approved indication only.

Avoid chronic use.

Common side effects of tinidazole

Some side effects of tinidazole may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • bitter taste
  • metallic taste

Less common side effects

  • acid or sour stomach
  • belching
  • cramps
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • dizziness
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • indigestion
  • loss of appetite
  • pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
  • vomiting
  • weight loss

Rare side effects

  • body aches or pain
  • coating on tongue
  • depression
  • hoarseness
  • mood or mental changes
  • runny nose
  • tender, swollen glands in the neck
  • voice changes

Incidence not known

  • darkened urine
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty in moving
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • giddiness
  • lightheadedness
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • pain, swelling, or redness in joints
  • sensation of spinning
  • shakiness and unsteady walk
  • sleepiness
  • swelling of the mouth
  • tongue discoloration
  • trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
  • trouble sleeping
  • unable to sleep
  • white or brownish vaginal discharge
  • white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue

Serious side effects of tinidazole

Along with its needed effects, tinidazole may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tinidazole:

Rare side effects

  • chest tightness
  • change in consciousness
  • cough
  • loss of consciousness
  • trouble breathing

Incidence not known

  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • blood in urine or stools
  • burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • difficulty swallowing
  • fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • fever
  • hives, itching, rash
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • lower back or side pain
  • nausea
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • reddening of the skin, especially around ears
  • seizures
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • swelling of eyes, face, or inside of the nose
  • swollen glands
  • ulcers
  • unsteadiness or awkwardness
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tinidazole: compounding powder, oral tablet.

General adverse events

Reported side effects were typically mild, infrequent, and self-limiting. Gastrointestinal side effects were reported most often.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Other

Dermatologic

In a study involving 450 patients with fixed drug eruptions, 8 patients were found to have this oral drug as the probable causative agent. The fixed drug eruptions varied as to duration, shape and size, symptoms, number of lesions, and body site(s) affected. The study did not break these factors down for each individual causative agent.[Ref]

Metabolic

Genitourinary

Respiratory

Psychiatric

Hematologic

Hypersensitivity

Severe acute hypersensitivity reactions have been reported during initial or subsequent exposure to this drug.[Ref]

Hepatic

Renal

Cardiovascular

Musculoskeletal

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

3. (2004) "Product Information. Tindamax (tinidazole)." Presutti Laboratories Inc

4. Mahboob A, Haroon TS (1998) "Drugs causing fixed eruptions: a study of 450 cases." Int J Dermatol, 37, p. 833-8

Further information

Tinidazole side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.