Tinidazole for bacterial vaginosis.
Tinidazole has been used for bacterial vaginosis (BV) outside the USA for almost four decades. Tinidazole has recently been resurrected and FDA approved for trichomoniasis and BV in the USA and is being restudied as an alternative to metronidazole for BV. In vitro antimicrobial activity and pharmacokinetics studies indicate that when compared directly with metronidazole, tinidazole has minor but possibly relevant antimicrobial as well as pharmacokinetic advantages. Clinical comparisons have been infrequent, although the limited head-to-head studies indicate minimal therapeutic advantage with tinidazole. Perhaps the more relevant differences relate to the enhanced tolerance and reduced toxicity of tinidazole. Currently, studies are still ongoing directly comparing the clinical efficacy of metronidazole and tinidazole. These studies should establish the role of tinidazole in the treatment of BV; however, cure rates are unlikely to be significantly different.
Nailor
Michael D
MD
Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. mnailor@dmc.org
Sobel
Jack D
JD
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D014011:Tinidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014011:Tinidazole