What Is Solosec (Secnidazole)? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Solosec (secnidazole) is a prescription antibiotic that stands out from most others in one key way: it's a single dose. One packet of granules, mixed into food and eaten in one sitting — and your course of treatment is complete. If you've been prescribed Solosec or are wondering what it is, here's everything you need to know.

What Is Solosec?

Solosec is the brand name for secnidazole, a nitroimidazole antimicrobial antibiotic. It was first approved by the FDA on September 15, 2017, and is manufactured by Lupin Pharmaceuticals. Solosec is the only FDA-approved single-dose oral treatment for bacterial vaginosis in the United States.

Secnidazole is structurally related to metronidazole (Flagyl) and tinidazole (Tindamax) — all members of the nitroimidazole drug class. What distinguishes secnidazole is its longer half-life of approximately 17 hours, which allows a single 2-gram dose to provide a complete course of antimicrobial therapy.

What Is Solosec Used For?

Solosec is FDA-approved for two indications:

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) in females age 12 and older — BV is caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina, resulting in discharge with a fishy odor, itching, and burning

Trichomoniasis in patients age 12 and older (any sex) — trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis; both partners need treatment simultaneously

Solosec is not used for viral infections, fungal infections, or other types of bacterial infections. If you think you have a yeast infection (candidiasis) rather than BV, Solosec will not help — and may actually increase your risk of developing one.

How Is Solosec Taken?

Solosec comes as oral granules in a single-dose, child-resistant foil packet containing 2 grams of secnidazole. Here's exactly how to take it:

Open the packet by folding over the corner and tearing across the top

Sprinkle all of the granules onto a small amount of soft food — applesauce, yogurt, or pudding work well

Take the entire mixture by mouth within 30 minutes — do not save part of it for later

Do NOT chew or crush the granules — this can change how the drug is absorbed

Do NOT dissolve the granules in any liquid — they are not intended to be dissolved

Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours (2 days) after taking Solosec

Solosec can be taken with or without meals. It does not need to be refrigerated — store it at room temperature (68–77°F).

Who Should Not Take Solosec?

Patients with a known allergy to secnidazole, metronidazole, tinidazole, or any other nitroimidazole drug

Patients with Cockayne syndrome — severe hepatotoxicity has been reported in this population with related drugs

Breastfeeding patients — do not breastfeed during treatment and for 96 hours (4 days) after the dose

Children under 12 — safety and effectiveness have not been established for this age group

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How Much Does Solosec Cost in 2026?

Solosec is brand-name only — no generic is available. Without insurance or discount programs, retail prices range from $290 to $550 per single packet. However, cost-reduction options are available:

Manufacturer savings card (solosec.com): $25 for commercially insured, $75 cash-pay

GoodRx coupon: as low as $179 at some pharmacies

SingleCare coupon: as low as $290

Is Solosec Easy to Find at Pharmacies?

Not always. Because Solosec is brand-only and relatively low-volume, some pharmacies keep limited stock. You may need to check multiple locations. Read our guide on why Solosec is hard to find and what to do if your pharmacy doesn't have it.

For help locating a pharmacy with Solosec in stock, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your prescription.