Tinidazole
Tinidazole is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial medication used to treat certain parasitic and bacterial infections. It works by entering target cells and causing DNA damage that leads to organism death. This medication is commonly prescribed for trichomoniasis, giardiasis, amebiasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
Tinidazole treats infections caused by parasites and certain bacteria by damaging their DNA.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G01AF21
- RxNorm
- 10612
- Generic
- Tinidazole
- Class
- atc-g01a
- Brands
- Tindamax
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Tinidazole is used to treat trichomoniasis (sexually transmitted), giardiasis (intestinal parasite), amebiasis (parasitic bowel infection), bacterial vaginosis, and certain anaerobic bacterial infections.
As a nitroimidazole derivative, tinidazole enters susceptible protozoa and bacteria where it is reduced to reactive intermediates that bind to and break DNA strands, causing cell death.
Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 3 days after completing therapy due to potential disulfiram-like reaction. Not recommended during first trimester of pregnancy. Common side effects include metallic taste, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy