Which is better, tinidazole or metronidazole? What are the precautions for taking it?

In the treatment of symptoms caused by anaerobic bacteria or fungal infections, metronidazole and tinidazole are two commonly used drugs. So, which one is better?

Which is better, tinidazole or metronidazole?

Tinidazole has a significant killing effect on various common pathogenic anaerobic bacteria and trichomonas. Its activity is 2 to 4 times stronger than that of metronidazole. Its efficacy in treating amoebic dysentery and extraintestinal amebiasis is comparable to that of metronidazole, but its toxic side effects are significantly lower than those of metronidazole. The most common adverse reactions of metronidazole are gastrointestinal reactions, mainly nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Therefore, it is recommended to take it after meals. The adverse reactions of metronidazole are less common and milder than those of metronidazole, with occasional mild gastrointestinal reactions, headaches, dizziness, itchy skin, rashes, constipation, and general discomfort. These side effects usually disappear quickly after stopping the drug.

After oral administration, the effective concentration of metronidazole can be maintained for 12 hours, and it is generally necessary to take the drug three times a day. Compared with metronidazole, the duration of the drug effect of tinidazole is longer, and it is generally sufficient to take the drug once or twice.

It can be seen from this that the main functions of tinidazole and metronidazole are the same, but their side effects are different. The former is much milder than the latter, the former's efficacy lasts longer than the latter, and the number of times the medication is used is different.

What should I pay attention to when taking metronidazole and tinidazole?

During the use of these two drugs, you should avoid drinking alcohol or taking alcoholic beverages, because both metronidazole and tinidazole have the effect of inhibiting acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Drinking alcohol after taking the medicine will lead to accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body, thereby enhancing the alcohol poisoning reaction, causing abdominal cramps, burning sensations, nausea, vomiting, headaches, facial flushing, etc.; because both drugs are metabolized by the liver, patients with liver dysfunction should adjust the dosage as appropriate; they are prohibited for use in the first 3 months of pregnancy, lactation, those with a history of blood diseases and organic nervous system diseases.