Flagyl vs. Tindamax

Flagyl, Flagyl ER, and Flagyl Injection (metronidazole) and Tindamax (tinidazole) are nitroimidazole antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.

Side effects of Flagyl and Tindamax that are similar include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, stomach/abdominal cramps/pain, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, headache, or a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth or changes in taste.

Side effects of Flagyl include:

• nausea,
• abdominal cramps,
• stomach upset,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• headache,
• weight loss (anorexia),
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• dark-colored urine, or
• a metallic taste in the mouth or changes in taste.

Uncomfortable side effects that may become serious are:

• fevers,
• pain with urination,
• mouth sores,
• tingling or pricking sensations that may become permanent,
• brain disease, and
• seizures.

Serious but unlikely side effects of Flagyl include:

• unsteadiness,
• seizures,
• mood changes,
• numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, and
• painful urination.

Common side effects of Tindamax include:

• bitter or metallic taste in the mouth,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• stomach cramps/pain,
• indigestion,
• loss of appetite,
• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• vaginal itching or discharge,
• weakness,
• tiredness, or
• headache

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Tindamax including:

• fever,
• chills,
• body aches,
• flu symptoms,
• numbness,
• burning pain,
• tingly feeling, or
• seizures (convulsions)

Flagyl, Flagyl ER, and Flagyl Injection (metronidazole) are antimicrobial drugs used to treat bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, amebiasis, and anaerobic bacterial infections.

What is Tindamax?

Tindamax (tinidazole) is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as infection of the intestines or vagina. Tindamax is also used to treat certain sexually transmitted infections.

Flagyl may interact with blood thinners or seizure medications.

Flagyl may also interact with cimetidine, lithium, or disulfiram.

Tindamax may interact with seizure medications, blood thinners, or lithium.

Tindamax may also interact with other antibiotics, cyclosporine, fluorouracil, isoniazid, St. John's wort, tacrolimus, antidepressants, antifungal medications, barbiturates, heart or blood pressure medication, or HIV medications.

Flagyl is supplied in 250 and 500 mg strength tablets, Flagyl ER is available in 750 mg strength tablets, and Flagyl Injection in 500 mg strength in a buffered 100 ml vial. Dosage is quite variable and dependent upon the severity of disease and other considerations made by the treating physician. Most of the serious side effects may occur with any of these three preparations of Flagyl. Flagyl may cause liver enzyme levels to increase; lithium and creatinine levels should be checked to avoid lithium toxicity or renal compromise. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Flagyl. Patients on disulfiram should not take Flagyl until they have had a two week interval without taking disulfiram, especially alcoholic patients, to avoid psychotic reactions. Treatment in pregnant women (during first 3 months is not advised) or women who are breastfeeding should only be done if the benefits outweigh the potential problems. Flagyl passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Except for use in amebiasis, studies in pediatric patients are not available; Flagyl ER has no pediatric studies.

It is advisable to take tinidazole with food to minimize the incidence of epigastric discomfort and other gastrointestinal side-effects. Food does not affect the oral bioavailability of tinidazole. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided when taking tinidazole and for 3 days afterward. For those unable to swallow tablets, tinidazole tablets may be crushed in artificial cherry syrup to be taken with food.