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What are the symptoms of amebiasis?

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.

Tindamax® is a prescription antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria and parasites. It is approved for treating trichomoniasis, also known as "trich," and bacterial vaginosis, or "BV" (in non-pregnant, adult women). It is also approved for treating giardiasis, also known as "giardia," amebiasis, and amebic liver abscess in patients age 3 and older.

Important Safety Information

Tindamax® is not for everyone. You should not take Tindamax® if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. If you are nursing, Tindamax® can pass through your breast milk, so you should not take it unless you stop breastfeeding during your prescription and for 3 days after your last dose.

Tindamax® can lead to a temporary reduction in your white blood cells, so if you have been diagnosed with a blood disorder, talk to your doctor before starting a prescription.

Do not take Tindamax® if you have a history of sensitivity to tinidazole or related drugs in the nitroimidazole family. Reactions can range from mild itching, hives, or fever to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is a rare, life-threatening skin condition.

Certain drugs may interact with Tindamax®, so always tell your doctor about the medications you're taking before you start a prescription.

Take each dose of Tindamax® with food to lessen the risk of stomach upset and other GI side effects. Avoid any alcoholic beverages while taking Tindamax® and for 3 days afterward.

If you are undergoing hemodialysis while taking Tindamax® on the same day, consult your doctor for the appropriate dose of Tindamax®. An additional half-dose of Tindamax® at the end of dialysis may be recommended.

Antibacterial drugs, including Tindamax®, do not treat viral infections such as the common cold. When taking Tindamax® to treat a bacterial infection, it is very common to feel better early in your prescription; however, you should keep taking the medication as directed and for as long as directed by your doctor. Skipping doses or not taking all of your medication can make Tindamax® less effective. It can also allow the bacteria to build up resistance to the drug, so that it won't be treatable with Tindamax® or similar drugs in the future.

The most common side effects of Tindamax® are a metallic or bitter taste, nausea, weakness, fatigue, discomfort, indigestion, cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, and constipation.

Some patients taking Tindamax® may also develop a yeast infection, which can require treatment with an anti-fungal drug. Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Certain patients taking Tindamax® have experienced seizures or nerve problems, with symptoms such as numbness or tingling of the hands or feet. Other side effects included vertigo, unsteady movements, insomnia, or drowsiness. Stop taking Tindamax® if you develop any abnormal symptoms.

Tinidazole, the key ingredient in Tindamax®, is related to a drug called metronidazole, which has been linked to cancer in lab rats and mice that received the drug over long periods of time. Although these effects have not been reported for tinidazole, the two drugs are chemically related and have similar effects on the body. Therefore, Tindamax® should only be used to treat infections it has been approved to treat.

To report negative side effects, contact Mission Pharmacal Company at 1-800-298-1087 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

  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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