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Introduction About SECZOL DS
SECZOL DS contains Secnidazole which belongs to the group of medicines called Antiprotozoals. It is used to manage urethritis and vaginitis (urethral and vaginal inflammation) due to trichomonas vaginalis, intestinal and hepatic amebiasis (liver infection) and giardiasis (parasitic infection of the small intestine due to giardia parasite).
SECZOL DS is not recommended for use if you have a history of blood dyscrasia (abnormal condition or disease of the blood) or wheat allergy (condition that is different from celiac disease). Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking SECZOL DS as it may increase the risk of unwanted effects.
SECZOL DS is not recommended for use during the first trimester of pregnancy and it should be used with caution during pregnancy after the first trimester only if advised by the doctor. Also, it is not recommended for use in breast-feeding women. SECZOL DS should be used with caution in children and adolescents.
The most common side effects of taking SECZOL DS are nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, metallic taste sensation and inflammation of the mouth or tongue. Consult your doctor immediately if any of the side effect worsens.
Uses Of SECZOL DS
Manages,
- urethritis and vaginitis (due to trichomonas vaginalis)
- intestinal and hepatic amebiasis
- giardiasis (parasitic infection of the small intestine)
How SECZOL DS Works
SECZOL DS is an antiprotozoal agent that kills the parasites and bacteria by generating a harmful molecule which damages the DNA of the parasites and bacteria, resulting in disruption of bacterial or parasitic protein synthesis and its replication.
How to use SECZOL DS
Take SECZOL DS as advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of SECZOL DS for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of SECZOL DS
Common
- nausea
- gastrointestinal disturbances
- epigastric pain
- metallic taste
- inflammation of the mouth or tongue
Rare
- vertigo (internal or external spinning sensation)
- ataxia (impaired balance or coordination) and motor incoordination
- paresthesia (tingling or prickling sensation)
- peripheral neuropathy (weakness, numbness and pain due to nerve damage usually in hands and feet)
- immediate hypersensitivity reactions (such as fever, erythema, urticaria and angioedema)
How To Manage Side Effects
Nausea:
Stick to simple meals while taking this medicine. Avoid eating oily rich, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Epigastric pain:
Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller meals more frequently. Avoid eating spicy, greasy and acidic foods. Keep a heat pad on your stomach to relieve the pain. If the symptom does not improve, consult your doctor.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
SECZOL DS is not recommended for use during the first trimester of pregnancy as it may reach the placenta and it should be used with caution during pregnancy after the first trimester only if advised by the doctor. Consult your doctor before taking SECZOL DS.
Breastfeeding
SECZOL DS is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breastmilk. Consult your doctor before taking SECZOL DS.
Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy after taking SECZOL DS.
Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking SECZOL DS as it may cause antabuse effect such as heat sensation, redness, vomiting and increased heart rate.
Allergy
Do not take SECZOL DS if you are allergic to Secnidazole, imidazole derivatives (such as ketoconazole, miconazole) or wheat allergy (condition that is different from celiac disease).
Others
SECZOL DS is not recommended for use if you:
- have history of blood dyscrasia (abnormal condition or disease of the blood)
Use in pediatrics:
SECZOL DS should be used with caution in children and adolescents. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking SECZOL DS, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicine used for thinning of the blood (Ex. warfarin)
- medicine used to manage chronic alcoholism (Ex. disulfiram)
Overdosage
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of SECZOL DS, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Secnidazole |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Nitroimidazole antimicrobials |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Urethritis and vaginitis; Intestinal and hepatic amebiasis; Giardiasis |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Injection, Syrup |
More Information
- Keep SECZOL DS out of reach of children
- Store at a temperature, not more than 25°C
FAQs About SECZOL DS
What if I forget to take a dose of SECZOL DS?
If you forget a dose of SECZOL DS, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose at the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
Is SECZOL DS safe to use in pregnant women?
SECZOL DS is not recommended for use during the first trimester of pregnancy as it may reach the placenta and it should be used with caution during pregnancy after the first trimester only if advised by the doctor. Consult your doctor before taking SECZOL DS.
Can I drink alcohol while taking SECZOL DS?
No, avoid consumption of alcohol while taking SECZOL DS as it may cause unwanted effects such as heat sensation, redness, vomiting and increased heart rate. Consult your doctor for advice before taking SECZOL DS.
What are the common side effects of SECZOL DS?
The most common side effects of taking SECZOL DS are nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, epigastric pain, metallic taste sensation and inflammation of the mouth or tongue. Consult your doctor immediately if any of the side effect worsens.
Can I take warfarin along with SECZOL DS?
Taking warfarin along with SECZOL DS may increase the risk of bleeding due to hepatic catabolism. Your doctor may check the prothrombin time more frequently and monitor the INR test when both these medicines are used together. Your doctor may adjust the dose of warfarin during management with this medicine and for 8 days after its discontinuation.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Antiamoebic and Other Antiprotozoal Drugs. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 839, 843.
2. Mohamed A. Abd El Aziz, Foruzan Sharifipour, Parvin Abedi, Shayesteh Jahanfar, and Helen Marie Judge. Secnidazole for treatment of bacterial vaginosis: a systematic review. NIH National Library of Medicine, National centre for biotechnology information. Pubmed Central. October 2019. [Accessed on 23rd August 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6802328/
3. Christina A.Muzny, livia T.Van Gerwen. Secnidazole for Trichomoniasis in Women and Men. Sexual Medicine Reviews. Science direct. April 2022 [Accessed on 23rd August 2022] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2050052122000038
4. Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Limited. Flagentyl Tablet (Secnidazole 500mg). [Revised in September 2015] [Accessed on 23rd August 2022] http://www.fdaghana.gov.gh/images/stories/pdfs/downloads/SmPC/Flagentyl%20500mg%20Scored%20Film-Coated%20Tablets%20(Secnidazole).pdf
5. Square Pharma. Secnid DS Tablet (Secnidazole 1000mg) [Accessed on 23rd August 2022] http://www.squarepharma.com.bd/downloads/Secnid.pdf
6. Trident Lifeline Pvt. Ltd. Sreek (Secnidazole Tablets 1000mg). [Revised in September 2020] [Accessed on 23rd August 2022] https://fdaghana.gov.gh/img/pils/Sreek%201000%20mg%20Tablets%20(Secnidazole).pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Complete blood count
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