Secnizol-DS
Generic Name
Secnidazole
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| secnizol ds 1000 mg tablet | ৳ 16.00 | ৳ 32.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Secnidazole is a nitroimidazole derivative with antiprotozoal and antibacterial activity. It is used to treat various infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, including amoebiasis, giardiasis, and trichomoniasis.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Intestinal Amoebiasis: 2 g as a single dose. Hepatic Amoebiasis: 1.5 g/day for 5 days. Giardiasis: 2 g as a single dose. Trichomoniasis/Bacterial Vaginosis: 2 g as a single dose.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but caution is advised in patients with significant hepatic or renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
In severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min), a dose reduction to 50% of the normal dose may be considered.
How to Take
Secnizol-DS tablets should be taken orally, preferably with or after food, to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Tablets can be crushed and mixed with soft food or liquid for patients who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets.
Mechanism of Action
Secnidazole works by diffusing into the organism, where its nitro group is reduced to reactive cytotoxic intermediates. These intermediates bind to and disrupt DNA, leading to inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis and ultimately cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects typically begin within hours to days depending on the infection type.
Excretion
Approximately 50% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, with the remainder eliminated in feces.
Half life
The elimination half-life is relatively long, ranging from 17 to 29 hours, which supports its single-dose efficacy.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 2-4 hours after oral administration.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to secnidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives.
- History of blood dyscrasias.
- First trimester of pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Severe disulfiram-like reaction may occur if alcohol is consumed during treatment or for 72 hours after.
Lithium
May increase plasma lithium concentrations, leading to lithium toxicity.
Warfarin
May potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Disulfiram
Concurrent use may lead to a disulfiram-like reaction (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, flushing, tachycardia).
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. There is no specific antidote. Gastric lavage may be considered in recent ingestions.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in the first trimester. Use in later trimesters only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Lactation: Secnidazole is excreted into breast milk. Breastfeeding should be temporarily discontinued during treatment and for at least 96 hours (4 days) after the last dose.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to secnidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives.
- History of blood dyscrasias.
- First trimester of pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Severe disulfiram-like reaction may occur if alcohol is consumed during treatment or for 72 hours after.
Lithium
May increase plasma lithium concentrations, leading to lithium toxicity.
Warfarin
May potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Disulfiram
Concurrent use may lead to a disulfiram-like reaction (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, flushing, tachycardia).
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. There is no specific antidote. Gastric lavage may be considered in recent ingestions.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in the first trimester. Use in later trimesters only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Lactation: Secnidazole is excreted into breast milk. Breastfeeding should be temporarily discontinued during treatment and for at least 96 hours (4 days) after the last dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Refer to the packaging for specific shelf life, typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA/FDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials have demonstrated Secnidazole's efficacy and safety in treating various protozoal and anaerobic bacterial infections, often highlighting its advantage of a single-dose regimen for improved patient compliance.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete blood count (CBC) monitoring may be considered for prolonged treatment courses (though Secnizol-DS is typically used short-term).
- Liver function tests may be monitored in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize strict adherence to the prescribed single-dose regimen for optimal efficacy.
- Counsel patients on the absolute necessity to avoid alcohol during and for 72 hours post-treatment due to disulfiram-like reactions.
- Advise patients that tablets can be crushed if swallowing whole is difficult, especially for the 2g dose.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment and for at least 72 hours after the last dose.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
Missed Dose Advice
For single-dose regimens, ensure the dose is taken as prescribed. If a multi-day regimen is prescribed and a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Secnizol-DS may cause dizziness or vertigo. Patients should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good personal hygiene to prevent reinfection, especially for parasitic infections.
- Practice safe sexual habits if treated for sexually transmitted infections.
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Global Brand Names
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