Fasigyn

What is it?

An antibacterial preparation which is a nitroimidazole effective against certain anaerobic bacteria. It is available in the form of film-coated, white tablets containing 500mg tinidazole, all marked FAS 500.Usedfhr: treatment of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and prevention of such during surgery. Particular sites of such infections are the mouth, gut and uripo-genital tract (acute, ulcerative gingivitis, giardiasis, intestinal amoebiasis, amoebic effects on liver, urogenital trichomoniusis, bacterial vaginosis). Used, (in conjunction with clarithromycin and omeprazole) for the elimination of H. pylori bacteria in treatment duodenal ulcers. NB. amoebiasis is an infection caused by parasitic amoebae, acquired by swallowing water or food affected by faecal contamination. Giardiasis is a similar parasitic infection caused by protozoa, Giardia lamblia. These infections are usually acquired in countries which do not have water treatment systems or high standards of food hygiene. Trichomoniasis is avaginal infection producing symptoms of burning, itching and an unpleasant- smelling discharge, caused by a protozoan organism, Trichomonas vaginalis. In men, infection usually produces few symptoms but the condition can be transmitted to female sexual partners.

Dosage

Adults, prevention of infection, 4 tablets taken as 1 dose 12 hours before operation; treatment of infections, 4 tablets taken as 1 dose at first followed by 2 each day for 5 to 6 days. Elimination of H. pylori, 1 tablet twice each day with 250mg of clarithromycin a nd 20mg of omeprazole, twice each day for 1 week. Amoebiasis of intestine, 4 tablets as one dose each day for 2 to 3 days; amoebiasis of liver, 3 to 4 tablets as one dose each day for 3 to 6 days. Giardiasis, one dose of 4 tablets. Bacterial vaginosis, 4 tablets as one dose for 2 days; urogenita1 trichomoniesis, one dose of 4 tablets. Acute, ulcerative gingivitis, one dose of 4 tablets. Children, intestinal amoebiasis, 50 to 60nvg per kg of body weight as a single dose each day for 5 days; gierdicrsis, 50 to 75mg per kg of body weight as a single dose. Urggenital trichomoniasis, 50 to 75mg per kg of bodyweight as a single dose which can be repeated once, if necessary. Not suitable for treatment of other conditions in children.

Special Care

Pregnancy (after first 3 months), cease use if abnormal neurological effects are observed.

Avoid Use

First 3 months of pregnancy, breastfeeding, blood changes, neurological disorders.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Alcohol.

Known Side Effects

Metallic taste in mouth and furring of tongue, gastrointestinal upset, nettle rash (urticaria), disturbance of central nervous system, dark- coloured urine, angioneurotic oedema. Nerve damage and leucopenia (decline in white blood cells) if drug is taken long-term.