Seczole-AZ

Fluconazole (150mg) + Azithromycin (1gm) + Secnidazole (1gm)
Price: ₹170 - ₹240 per kit (MRP)
Mfr: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. | Form: Kit (Tablets in blister pack)

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapy designed for the empirical treatment of mixed vaginal infections, primarily targeting bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis. It combines a triazole antifungal (Fluconazole), a macrolide antibiotic (Azithromycin), and a nitroimidazole antiprotozoal/antibacterial (Secnidazole) to provide broad-spectrum coverage against common vaginal pathogens. This FDC is intended as a single-dose or short-course therapy to improve patient compliance. Its use is controversial and subject to regulatory scrutiny in India due to concerns about antibiotic overuse and the promotion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: A single oral dose of one sachet/kit containing Fluconazole 150mg + Azithromycin 1g + Secnidazole 1g, taken as directed. Some brands may recommend a two-dose regimen (e.g., one dose on Day 1 and Day 3). MUST be taken under medical supervision.

Note: Take orally with a full glass of water. Azithromycin absorption is reduced by food; take on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) for optimal absorption. The entire sachet/kit contents should be taken at once. Do not crush or chew the tablets/capsules.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to Fluconazole, other azoles, Azithromycin, other macrolides, Secnidazole, other nitroimidazoles, or any excipient
  • Concurrent administration with drugs that prolong QT interval and have a known risk of torsades de pointes (e.g., cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine) due to Azithromycin
  • History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior Azithromycin use

🔬 Mechanism of Action

This combination exerts a synergistic or additive effect against a polymicrobial vaginal infection. Fluconazole inhibits fungal ergosterol synthesis, damaging the cell membrane of Candida species. Azithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria (e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis), inhibiting protein synthesis. Secnidazole undergoes intracellular reduction of its nitro group, generating cytotoxic radicals that damage DNA and disrupt cellular processes of anaerobic bacteria (e.g., BV-associated anaerobes) and protozoa (Trichomonas vaginalis).

🤕 Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain/cramps
  • Diarrhea or loose stools
  • Headache
  • Dyspepsia
  • Altered taste (metallic taste - Secnidazole)
  • Vaginal burning/itching (may persist initially)

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category C (US FDA) for Fluconazole (high-dose is Category D). Azithromycin is Category B. Secnidazole is Category C (contraindicated in first trimester). This combination is GENERALLY NOT RECOMMENDED during pregnancy, especially the first trimester. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential fetal risk, and for a clear, confirmed indication. Single-dose Fluconazole 150mg is considered low risk for topical effect, but systemic combination therapy requires extreme caution.

Driving: May cause dizziness, vertigo, or seizures. Patients should be cautioned about operating machinery or driving until they are sure they are not affected.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Warfarin/AcenoocumarolFluconazole inhibits metabolism, increasing INR and bleeding risk.Major
Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glimepiride)Fluconazole increases sulfonylurea levels, causing hypoglycemia.Major
PhenytoinFluconazole increases phenytoin levels; phenytoin may decrease fluconazole levels.Major
Cyclosporine, TacrolimusFluconazole increases calcineurin inhibitor levels, risk of nephrotoxicity.Major
RifampicinReduces Fluconazole levels significantly.Major
Drugs prolonging QT interval (e.g., Amiodarone, Sotalol, Fluoroquinolones, Antipsychotics)Additive risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmias with Azithromycin.Major
DigoxinAzithromycin may increase digoxin levels (by affecting gut flora).Moderate
Ergot alkaloids (Ergotamine)Risk of ergotism with Azithromycin (CYP3A4 inhibition).Major
DisulfiramConcurrent use with Secnidazole can cause psychotic reactions (disulfiram-like reaction).Major
AlcoholSecnidazole can cause disulfiram-like reaction (flushing, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia).Major
LithiumAzithromycin may increase lithium levels.Moderate
ColchicineAzithromycin may increase colchicine levels, risk of toxicity (especially in renal impairment).Major

🔁 Alternatives to Seczole-AZ

Same composition (Fluconazole (150mg) + Azithromycin (1gm) + Secnidazole (1gm)), different brands:

Aziclass-SF Secnil-AZ Seczole-AF Seczol-AZ