Secnidazole Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 8, 2023.

Applies to secnidazole: oral granule.

Serious side effects of Secnidazole

Along with its needed effects, secnidazole may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking secnidazole:

More common

• Itching of the vagina or genitals
• thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor

Less common

• Pain in the vagina or genital area

Other side effects of Secnidazole

Some side effects of secnidazole may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Change in taste
• diarrhea
• headache
• loss of taste
• nausea
• stomach pain
• vomiting

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to secnidazole: oral granule for reconstitution.

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting^[Ref]

Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting have been reported when this product was taken concomitantly with alcohol.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Vulvovaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginal pruritus^[Ref]

Hepatic

Another nitroimidazole agent structurally related to this drug:

-Postmarketing reports: Severe irreversible hepatotoxicity/acute liver failure in patients with Cockayne syndrome^[Ref]

Cases of severe irreversible hepatotoxicity/acute liver failure, including cases with fatal outcomes with very rapid onset after start of systemic use of metronidazole (another nitroimidazole agent structurally related to this drug), have been reported in patients with Cockayne syndrome; latency from drug start to signs of liver failure has been as short as 2 days.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dysgeusia

Frequency not reported: Dizziness^[Ref]

Dysgeusia has also been reported during postmarketing experience with this product and other 2 g formulations outside the US.

Dizziness and headache have been reported when this product was taken concomitantly with alcohol.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Productive cough^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer