No. Tinidazole is a prescription medication and isn't available over the counter.

You can book a video visit with a licensed provider on Sesame to find out whether tinidazole is appropriate for you. If prescribed, they can send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy for pickup.

Tinidazole and metronidazole belong to a class of antimicrobial drugs called nitroimidazoles. Both medications are effective treatments for certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis. Your provider may consider the following differences when deciding which medication to prescribe:

• Treatment duration: Tinidazole stays in your body longer, and may require a shorter treatment course, depending on the infection being treated.
• Side effects: Tinidazole may cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and upset stomach, than metronidazole.

During your video visit, your provider can help determine which medication is appropriate for your condition.

No. Tinidazole does not treat yeast infections or typical urinary tract infections (UTIs). Tinidazole can in fact disrupt the balance of bacteria in your body, potentially increasing your risk of a vaginal yeast infection.

Talk to a provider if you think you may have a UTI or yeast infection. They can assess your symptoms properly and recommend appropriate treatment.

Drinking alcohol while taking tinidazole can cause an unpleasant reaction, including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, flushing, and headaches.

If you accidentally drink alcohol, stop drinking.

If you experience mild nausea or stomach upset, rest and sip water to stay hydrated. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen, don't improve, or make it difficult to keep fluids down.

Seek emergency care for serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fainting, or seizures. These may indicate a more serious medical problem rather than a typical alcohol-related reaction.

Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 72 hours after your last dose. Some products, including certain cough medicines and mouthwashes, contain alcohol (ethanol) or propylene glycol, which may also cause a reaction. Check product labels or ask your pharmacist if you're unsure.

It depends on the infection being treated. If you're taking tinidazole for trichomoniasis, any current sexual partners should receive treatment, even if they don't have symptoms. This helps prevent reinfection. Avoid sex until everyone has completed treatment and any symptoms have resolved.

For bacterial vaginosis (BV), partner treatment may also be recommended, particularly if you have recurring symptoms.

Your provider can help determine whether treating your partner(s) would be beneficial.

Sexual partners generally don't need treatment for giardiasis or amebiasis unless they also have an infection.

Store tinidazole at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C), in its original, tightly closed container. Keep it away from light, excess heat, and moisture, and avoid storing it in the bathroom. Keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.

If your pharmacist prepares liquid tinidazole, follow the storage instructions on the label and discard any remaining liquid after 7 days.