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Overview: Solosec is an antibiotic that is used to treat certain vaginal and sexually transmitted infections. Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, change in how things taste, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Tell your health care provider if you have vaginal itching, especially with a yellow or white vaginal discharge that may look like cottage cheese. For two days after taking this medicine, do not drink alcohol or eat any food that has alcohol or propylene glycol in it. 

Uses

What is Solosec used for?

Solosec (secnidazole) is an antibiotic that is commonly used for the following infections caused by certain bacteria or parasites.

  • Bacterial vaginosis, which is an infection of the vagina caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria
  • Trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite

Solosec may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Solosec may not be right for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to Solosec, which will make it not work as well.

How does Solosec work (mechanism of action)?

Solosec kills certain types of bacteria and parasites by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA.

How is Solosec supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Solosec

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2 grams per packet oral granules

How should I store Solosec?

Solosec should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Solosec?

The most common side effects of Solosec are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Vaginal yeast infection (see below)
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Change in how things taste

There may be other side effects of Solosec that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Solosec?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Solosec are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Solosec may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Solosec and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Vaginal Yeast Infection (Volvovaginal Candidiasis). Taking Solosec may lead to a vaginal yeast infection. Tell your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.

  • Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina or the outer part of the genital area
  • Vaginal itching
  • Yellow or white vaginal discharge (may have lumps in it like cottage cheese)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Solosec?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Solosec.

  • Secnidazole
  • Solosec
  • Any other medicine known as a nitroimidazole derivative, such as metronidazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Solosec.

Cockayne Syndrome. Life-threatening liver failure has been seen in people with Cockayne syndrome (a rare genetic disorder that affects growth and development) when taking medicine similar to Solosec. People with Cockayne syndrome should not take Solosec.

What should I know about Solosec before using it?

Do not take Solosec unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Solosec with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Solosec out of the reach of children.

Do not try to dissolve Solosec in liquid. Solosec granules should be sprinkled onto applesauce, yogurt, or pudding before taking them. The granules will not dissolve in the food. You should eat the food with Solosec granules within 30 minutes of sprinkling them on the food. Do not chew or crunch the granules. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to prepare your dose of Solosec.

If you are taking Solosec for a sexually transmitted infection, your sexual partner may need to be treated. If you have questions about this, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Solosec?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Solosec is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Solosec could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Solosec passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or not take Solosec.

How can I get more information about Solosec?

For more information about Solosec, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.solosec.com or call them at 833-383-6246.

Interactions

Does Solosec interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Solosec and foods or drinks.

Avoid alcohol and any foods, drinks, or medicines that have alcohol or propylene glycol in them when taking Solosec and for 48 hours after your dose. Alcohol or propylene glycol may cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, and headache.

Does Solosec interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Solosec and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Solosec?

If you or someone else has used too much Solosec, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Solosec?

Solosec is a single-dose medicine. One dose of Solosec is usually considered a full treatment.