Tinidazole
Also known as: Tindamax, Estovyn-T, Fasigyn, Tiniba, Tiniameb, Tinidazol
* **Administration**: Give this medication with food to reduce stomach upset. * **Taste Warning**: This medication is extremely bitter. Do not crush or break tablets unless instructed by your veterinarian, as the bad taste may cause your pet to drool excessively or refuse to eat. * **Alcohol Avoidance**: Ensure your pet does not have access to any products containing alcohol while on this medication. * **When to Call the Vet**: Contact your veterinarian if gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea) are severe or persist. * **Emergency Signs**: Contact your veterinarian **immediately** if your pet shows signs of behavior changes, eyes darting back and forth (nystagmus), convulsions/seizures, or difficulty walking/climbing stairs (ataxia). These can be signs of drug toxicity.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Stomatitis, anaerobic infections
- Tritrichomonas foetus (experimental)
- Susceptible anaerobic infections
- Stomatitis, anaerobic infections
- Giardiasis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Inappetence
- Diarrhea
- Neurotoxicity (ataxia, nystagmus, seizures)
- Hypersalivation (due to bitter taste)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tinidazole or other 5-nitroimidazoles (e.g., metronidazole, ronidazole)
- Food-producing animals (prohibited use)
- Use with caution in patients with **hepatic dysfunction**, as the drug is metabolized by the liver. Use with extreme caution in animals susceptible to **seizures** or with pre-existing neurological disease, as 5-nitroimidazoles can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurotoxicity. **Black Box Warning (Human Label)**: Carcinogenicity has been seen in mice and rats treated chronically with metronidazole. Avoid unnecessary use and reserve for indicated conditions. **Reproductive/Nursing**: Decreased fertility noted in male rats. Crosses the placenta (mutagenic potential; avoid in first trimester; FDA Category C). Distributed into maternal milk; use milk replacer if treating a nursing dam.
Drug interactions
- Alcohol: May induce a disulfiram-like reaction (nausea, vomiting, cramps).
- Cimetidine: May decrease the metabolism of tinidazole and increase the likelihood of dose-related side effects.
- Ketoconazole: May decrease the metabolism of tinidazole and increase the likelihood of dose-related side effects.
- Cyclosporine: Tinidazole may increase the serum levels of cyclosporine.
- Tacrolimus (systemic): Tinidazole may increase the serum levels of tacrolimus.
- Fluorouracil (systemic): Tinidazole may increase the serum levels of fluorouracil and increase the risk of toxicity.
- Lithium: Tinidazole may increase lithium serum levels and increase the risk for lithium toxicity.
- Oxytetracycline: May antagonize the therapeutic effects of metronidazole (and presumably tinidazole).
- Phenobarbital: May increase the metabolism of tinidazole thereby decreasing blood levels.
- Rifampin: May increase the metabolism of tinidazole thereby decreasing blood levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tinidazole used for in pets?
* **Administration**: Give this medication with food to reduce stomach upset. * **Taste Warning**: This medication is extremely bitter. Do not crush or break tablets unless instructed by your veterinarian, as the bad taste may cause your pet to drool excessively or refuse to eat. * **Alcohol Avoidance**: Ensure your pet does not have access to any products containing alcohol while on this medication. * **When to Call the Vet**: Contact your veterinarian if gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea) are severe or persist. * **Emergency Signs**: Contact your veterinarian **immediately** if your pet shows signs of behavior changes, eyes darting back and forth (nystagmus), convulsions/seizures, or difficulty walking/climbing stairs (ataxia). These can be signs of drug toxicity.
Is Tinidazole safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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