Secnidazole

Secnidazole is a second-generation 5-nitroimidazole antimicrobial agent. It is structurally related to other 5-nitroimidazoles, including Metronidazole and Tinidazole, but displays improved oral absorption and a longer terminal elimination half-life than other drugs in this class. Secnidazole is selective against many anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as protozoa. Once it enters bacteria and parasites, secnidazole is activated by bacterial or parasitic enzymes to form a radical anion, thereby damaging and killing the target pathogen.

Secnidazole has been available in many other countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa for decades. In September 2017, FDA approved secnidazole under the market name Solosec for the treatment of trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis.

Secnidazole is indicated for treating trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis in patients 12 years of age and older. In other countries, it is also available as a combination product with other antibacterial drugs, such as itraconazole.