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Compare Tinidazole vs. Metronidazole

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tinidazole (Tindamax) and metronidazole (Flagyl) are both nitroimidazole antibiotics used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Both medications work by damaging the genetic material of bacteria and parasites. However, there are notable differences between the two medications. Tinidazole is typically taken once a day, while metronidazole is usually taken three times a day. Tinidazole is available in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets, whereas metronidazole comes in immediate-release tablets, capsules, and extended-release tablets. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of both medications include a metallic taste and nausea. Do not take either medication with alcohol, because it can cause serious reactions. Metronidazole is usually not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Metronidazole has a broader range of FDA-approved uses, including serious bacterial infections like peritonitis and meningitis.

  • Tinidazole (Tindamax)
    Metronidazole (Flagyl)
  • Tinidazole (Tindamax)
    Metronidazole (Flagyl)

  • Summary of Tinidazole vs. Metronidazole

    Summary for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Tinidazole (Tindamax) is an oral antibiotic. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, in adults and children. Tinidazole (Tindamax) is taken by mouth, typically once a day. It can also be crushed and added into cherry syrup for those with trouble swallowing. Some common side effects of this medication include bitter taste in the mouth and nausea. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping tinidazole (Tindamax) because doing so can cause flushing, headache, and nausea.

    Summary for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Indications of Tinidazole vs. Metronidazole

    Indications for
    •Trichomoniasis ("trich")
    •Giardiasis (parasitic gut infection)
    •Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
    •Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
    Indications for

    Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

    •Trichomoniasis
    •Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
    •Serious bacterial infections, such as:
    •Abdominal infection (including peritonitis)
    •Skin infections
    •Gynecological infections (including endometritis)
    •Bloodstream infection (septicemia)
    •Bone and joint infections
    •Central nervous system infections (meningitis)
    •Lung infections (lower respiratory tract infections)
    •Heart infection (endocarditis)

  • Pros and Cons of Tinidazole vs. Metronidazole

    Pros and Const for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can be used to treat different types of bacterial and parasitic infections
    •Only taken once a day or as an one-time dose
    Cons
    •Serious interaction with alcohol
    •Can cause metallic or bitter taste in mouth
    •Not recommended to breastfeed during treatment and for 3 days after your last dose
    Pros and Const for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can be used to treat different types of bacterial infection
    •Immediate-release formulations can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Immediate-release formulations needs to be taken multiple times a day for most infections
    •Serious interaction with alcohol
    •Can cause metallic taste in mouth
    •Not recommended while breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Tinidazole vs. Metronidazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Metallic or bitter taste (4-6%)
    •Nausea (3-5%)
    •Poor appetite (2-3%)
    •Belly cramps (1-2%)
    •Vomiting (1-2%)
    •Weakness (1-2%)
    •Constipation (1%)
    •Dizziness (1%)
    •Headache (1%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

    •Headache (18%)
    •Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
    •Nausea (10%)
    •Metallic taste (9%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (6%)

  • Warnings of Tinidazole vs. Metronidazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Brain and nerve problems
    •Risk of fungal infection
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Risk of drug resistance
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Brain and nerve problems
    •Liver and kidney problems
    •Risk of fungal infection
    •Risk of drug resistance
    •Lower white blood cell counts
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Tinidazole vs. Metronidazole

    Learn more about Tinidazole
    Learn more about Metronidazole

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