Solosec vs Metronidazole – detailed comparison:
Solosec
It is the brand name of a drug called secnidazole, which belongs to a group of drugs called nitroimidazole derivatives.
Mechanism of Action
It works by killing the bacteria which cause the infection.
Uses
This prescription medication is used to treat bacterial infections in the vagina in adult women.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose is a single 2-gram packet of granules taken orally.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor;
- itching of the vagina or genitals.
Less common side effects may include:
- stomach pain;
- change in taste;
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- loss of taste;
- headache.
Contraindications
Before taking this nitroimidazole derivative, tell your healthcare provider:
- if you are using other nitroimidazole derivatives;
- if you have a hypersensitivity to any ingredients of the formulation.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this nitroimidazole derivative since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- Altocor (lovastatin);
- Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound);
- BiDil (hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate);
- Accolate (zafirlukast);
- bismuth subsalicylate/metronidazole/tetracycline;
- Actemra (tocilizumab);
- brentuximab;
- adalimumab;
- cabazitaxel;
- Adcetris (brentuximab);
- Caduet (amlodipine/atorvastatin);
- ado-trastuzumab emtansine;
- Furadantin (nitrofurantoin);
- Advicor (lovastatin/niacin);
- gold sodium thiomalate;
- Baycol (cerivastatin);
- golimumab;
- Altoprev (lovastatin);
- Oncovin (vincristine);
- benznidazole;
- Onxol (paclitaxel);
- bismuth subcitrate potassium/metronidazole/tetracycline;
- Pacerone (amiodarone);
- bortezomib;
- oxaliplatin;
- Oforta (fludarabine);
- simponi;
- carboplatin Fosteum Plus.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There are no well-done studies to determine whether this nitroimidazole derivative is safe to use during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider that you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before using this medication.
This nitroimidazole derivative is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. However, if you take it, you should discontinue breastfeeding for 96 hours afterward.
Metronidazole
It is a drug that belongs to a group of drugs called nitroimidazole antibiotics. It can be found under the brand name of Flagyl.
Mechanism of Action
It works by killing organisms that cause the infection.
Uses
This prescription medication is used to treat infections of the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, bacterial infections of the vagina, respiratory system, skin, bones and joints, and other areas of the body.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose is 15 mg/kg IV once infused over 1 hour.
Note – this nitroimidazole antibiotic is commonly given for up to 10 days in a row. Also, you may need to repeat this dosage a few weeks later.
READ MORE: Folic Acid For BV
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- itching;
- stomach pain;
- rash;
- loss of appetite;
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- vomiting;
- unpleasant metallic taste;
- nausea;
- mouth sores;
- constipation;
- swollen tongue;
- diarrhea.
Rare side effects may include:
- trouble swallowing;
- a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- red or swollen gums;
- severe stomach pain;
- blisters or ulcers in your mouth;
- feeling irritable;
- weakness;
- depression;
- trouble sleeping.
Contraindications
Before taking this nitroimidazole antibiotic, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- a fungal infection anywhere in your body;
- liver disease;
- a nerve disorder;
- kidney disease;
- low white blood cell counts;
- a stomach or intestinal disease;
- a blood cell disorder, like – anemia.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this nitroimidazole antibiotic since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.
READ MORE: Nifedipine vs Amlodipine
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- Tagamet (cimetidine);
- Antabuse (disulfiram);
- Phenobarbital (Luminal and Solfoton);
- Anticoagulants, like Coumadin (warfarin);
- Dilantin (phenytoin);
- Stelara;
- Lithobid (lithium);
- Hismanal (astemizole).
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It can pass into breast milk and may negatively affect a nursing infant. You should not breastfeed a baby within 24 hours after using this nitroimidazole antibiotic.
Using this nitroimidazole antibiotic during pregnancy could harm the developing fetus. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you fall pregnant while using this medicine.
READ MORE: Baclofen vs Phenibut
Bottom Line – Solosec vs Metronidazole
Solosec (active ingredient – secnidazole) is a medication that is prescribed for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in adult women. It belongs to a group of drugs called nitroimidazole derivatives.
Metronidazole (brand name – Flagyl) is a medication that works by killing bacteria in the body. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, joints, skin, or respiratory tract. It belongs to a group of drugs called nitroimidazole antibiotics.
Regarding their price, the average retail price for 30 packets of Solosec 2g is $4,250, while the average retail price for 14 tablets of metronidazole 500mg is $10.
READ THIS NEXT: Rapivab vs Tamiflu
References https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/InformationOnDrugs/ucm577042.htm https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cpdd.406