Tinidazole for Parasitic and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tinidazole (Tindamax Drug, Presutti Labs), a second-generation medication for the treatment of trichomoniasis, giardiasis, intestinal amebiasis, and amebic liver abscess.
Trichomoniasis, the most common nonviral, sexually transmitted disease in the U.S., is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis in both men and women. Because this sexually transmitted disease has potentially serious consequences, partners of infected patients should be treated at the same time. In clinical studies, a single 2-g dose was effective in 92% to 100% of patients.
After four weeks, this dose was efficacious in 80% to 100% of patients with giardiasis, an intestinal parasitic infection.
In patients with intestinal amebiasis, 2 g of generic tinidazole once per day for three days achieved efficacy of 86% to 93%.
In patients with amebic liver abscess, the recommended dose is given for three to five days. Amebiasis is caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
The dosing regimens for giardiasis and amebiasis are shorter than those of other currently available therapies.
