What are the symptoms of amebiasis?

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Approximately 90% of people infected with E. histolytica are asymptomatic, meaning they don't notice any symptoms.1 If you do experience symptoms, they will typically show up anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks after infection.2

The most common symptoms of infection include diarrhea, constipation, gas, cramping and abdominal pain.1,2

Common symptoms of amebiasis

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Cramping
  • Abdominal pain

Complications of amebiasis

Some infections are more severe than others. For example, amebiasis can lead to inflammation of your intestines, or – in rare cases – the infection could spread to your liver, lungs, or brain.2,3

Amebic dysentery or amebic colitis

E. histolytica organisms can cause inflammation of your intestines, known as amebic colitis or amebic dysentery.4 With this type of infection, you may notice abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea that includes blood or mucus.2

Amebic colitis can be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), so it's important to see your doctor for testing and be sure you receive the treatment that's right for you.5

Amebic liver abscess (hepatic amebiasis)

E. histolytica parasites can sometimes travel to your liver and cause an amebic liver abscess, also known as hepatic amebiasis.4,6 Symptoms of amebic abscess can include abdominal pain, fever, chills, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, yellowing of your skin, and an enlarged liver that may be noticeable to the touch.7-9

In rare cases, the abscess may need to be drained. Without treatment, it could rupture and cause other serious problems in your abdominal cavity, lungs, or the area around your heart.3,7

Important Safety Information

WARNING: POTENTIAL RISK FOR CARCINOGENICITY

Carcinogenicity has been seen in mice and rats treated chronically with metronidazole, another nitroimidazole agent. Although such data have not been reported for tinidazole, the two drugs are structurally related and have similar biologic effects. Its use should be reserved for the conditions described in INDICATIONS AND USAGE.

Contraindications

  • Prior history of hypersensitivity to tinidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives
  • First trimester of pregnancy
  • Nursing mothers, unless breast-feeding is interrupted during tinidazole therapy and for 3 days following the last dose

Warnings and Precautions

  • Seizures and neuropathy have been reported. Discontinue Tindamax if abnormal neurologic signs develop
  • Vaginal candidiasis may develop with Tindamax and require treatment with an antifungal agent
  • Use Tindamax with caution in patients with blood dyscrasias. Tindamax may produce transient leukopenia and neutropenia

Adverse Reactions

Most common adverse reactions for a single 2 g dose of tinidazole (incidence >1%) are metallic/bitter taste, nausea, weakness/fatigue/malaise, dyspepsia/cramps/epigastric discomfort, vomiting, anorexia, headache, dizziness and constipation. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mission Pharmacal Company at 1-800-298-1087 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

This material is intended to provide basic information. Patients should discuss all medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment with their healthcare provider.

Please see full Prescribing Information

  1. Amebiasis [Internet]. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; 2006 Aug 15 [accessed 2008 Jul 15]. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000298.htm
  2. Amebiasis [Internet]. CDC; 2004 Jan [accessed 2008 Jul 10]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/amebiasis/factsht_amebiasis.htm
  3. Amebic Liver Abscess [Internet]. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; 2007 Jun 29 [accessed 2008 Jul 15]. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000211.htm
  4. van Hal SJ, Stark DJ, Fotedar R, Marriott D, Ellis JT, Harkness JL. Amoebiasis: current status in Australia. Med J Aust. 2007 Apr 16;186(8):412-6.
  5. Stark D, van Hal S, Marriott D, Ellis J, Harkness J. Irritable bowel syndrome: a review on the role of intestinal protozoa and the importance of their detection and diagnosis. Int J Parasitol. 2007 Jan;37(1):11-20. Epub 2006 Oct 12.
  6. Stanley SL Jr. Amoebiasis. Lancet. 2003 Mar 22;361(9362):1025-34.
  7. Salles JM, Moraes LA, Salles MC. Hepatic amebiasis. Braz J Infect Dis. 2003 Apr;7(2):96-110. Epub 2003 Nov 19.
  8. Fumarola L, Francavilla A, Palasciano N, Ialongo P, Pastore G, Sforza E, Rizzo C, Di Marzo L, Monno R. Amebic liver abscess: report of three cases. Parassitologia. 2007 Jun;49(1-2):49-53.
  9. Hepatomegaly [Internet]. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; 2007 Nov 13 [accessed 2008 Jul 15]. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003275.htm

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Only Tindamax® is approved to treat both bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis (TV).

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Tindamax® may be prescribed for other infections including:

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