Metronidazole
About Metronidazole
Metronidazole belongs to a group of medicines called Antimicrobials,' used to treat bacterial infections of the blood, brain, lung, bone, pelvic area, stomach lining, intestines, gum, teeth, following childbirth, or wound infection following an operation. It is also used to treat infected leg ulcers, pressure sores, stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, urinary or genital infections caused by the Trichomonas parasite, amoebiasis (parasitic infection of the colon), and to prevent infections after surgery.
Metronidazole contains metronidazole, which works by preventing the production of proteins required by the harmful microorganisms for their survival. Thereby, Metronidazole treats bacterial and parasitic infections.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration depending on the type of infection. Some common side effects of Metronidazole are nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and a metallic taste. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Metronidazole if you are allergic to any of its components. Metronidazole should not be used during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester and while breastfeeding. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Metronidazole, as it may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid consumption of alcohol while on treatment with Metronidazole and for 48 hours after completing the course, as it may cause unpleasant side effects. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and any medications you are taking to help rule out any potential side effects.
Uses of Metronidazole
• Bacterial infections: Metronidazole is widely used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, including those affecting the lungs, throat, bone and joints, skin and soft tissues, blood, brain, pelvic area, stomach lining, and intestines.
• Protozoal infections: Metronidazole is effective against protozoa such as Entamoeba histolytica (linked to amoebic dysentery); it inhibits protozoal reproduction. It is also used to treat urinary or genital infections caused by the Trichomonas parasite.
• Dental infections: Metronidazole is often prescribed in dentistry to address gum and oral cavity infections, particularly those caused by anaerobic bacteria. It may be used in combination with other antibiotics for enhanced effectiveness.
• Helicobacter Pylori Eradication: Metronidazole is used as part of a combination therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with peptic ulcers. It is typically used alongside other antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors.
• Further Applications: Metronidazole is also used to treat bacterial infections following childbirth or wound infections after surgery.
Medicinal Benefits
Metronidazole contains metronidazole used to treat and prevent bacterial and parasitic infections, including blood, brain, bone, lung, stomach lining, pelvic area and genital infections, amoebiasis, gum and teeth infections, infected leg ulcers or pressure sores, stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, urinary or genital infections caused by Trichomonas parasite. Furthermore, it can also be used to treat infections that occur after childbirth or wound infections that follow surgery. It works by preventing the production of proteins required by the harmful microorganisms for their survival. Thereby, Metronidazole helps treat bacterial and parasitic infections.
Directions for Use
- Metronidazole can be taken with or without food. However, if it causes stomach discomfort, taking it with food may help.
- Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, who will determine the appropriate dose and timing based on the severity of your infection.
- Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Metronidazole
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach upset
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Metallic taste
Drug Warnings
Do not take Metronidazole if you are allergic to any of its components. Metronidazole should not be used during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Metronidazole and for 12-24 hours after completing the course. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Metronidazole, as it may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Inform your doctor before taking Metronidazole if you have any medical conditions, such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, bone marrow depression/low blood count, CNS disorder, epilepsy, porphyria (blood disorder), peripheral neuropathy, or heart, liver, or kidney problems.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Metronidazole may interact with medicines used to treat HIV (amprenavir), anti-coagulant medications (anisindione, dicumarol, warfarin), certain vaccinations (BCG, cholera vaccine live, typhoid vaccine live), anti-cancer medications (busulfan), and medicines containing ethanol.
Drug-Food Interactions: You are recommended not to consume alcohol while on treatment with Metronidazole and for 48 hours after completing the course to avoid unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, palpitations, headache, and hot flushes.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking Metronidazole if you have any medical conditions, such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, bone marrow depression/low blood count, CNS disorder, epilepsy, porphyria (blood disorder), peripheral neuropathy, or heart, liver, or kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol while on treatment with Metronidazole and for 48 hours after completing the course to avoid unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, palpitations, headache, and hot flushes.
Pregnancy
unsafeMetronidazole should not be used during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeMetronidazole may pass into breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Metronidazole and for 12-24 hours after completing the course.
Driving
cautionMetronidazole may cause dizziness and drowsiness; therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionMetronidazole should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on your liver condition.
Kidney
cautionMetronidazole should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on your kidney condition.
Children
safe if prescribedMetronidazole should be given to children only if prescribed by a doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dose as per the age of your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- It would be best to take probiotics after taking the full course of Metronidazole to restore healthy bacteria in the intestine that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods, such as yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut, and kimchi, can help restore the intestines' good bacteria.
- Include more fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Whole grains, such as whole-grain bread and brown rice, should be included in the diet.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Metronidazole as it can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to help Metronidazole fight off infections.
- If you have diarrhoea, drink appropriate amounts of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. Symptoms include fever, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But people with a weakened immune system or those taking immunosuppressive medications are more prone to bacterial infections.
Parasitic infections: Parasitic infections can result from consuming polluted water, food, or soil, coming into contact with contaminated faeces, insufficient sanitization, and poor hygiene. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, exhaustion, unexplained weight loss, and dysentery (bloody stools).
FAQs
Metronidazole is used to treat and prevent bacterial and parasitic infections, including blood, brain, bone, lung, stomach lining, pelvic area and genital infections, amoebiasis, gum and teeth infections, infected leg ulcers or pressure sores, stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, urinary or genital infections caused by the Trichomonas parasite. Furthermore, it can also be used to treat infections that occur after childbirth or wound infections following surgery.
Metronidazole works by preventing the production of proteins required by harmful microorganisms for their survival. Thereby, Metronidazole helps treat and prevent bacterial and parasitic infections.
No. You should complete the full course of Metronidazole as prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Metronidazole.
No. Metronidazole is an antimicrobial medicine that acts only against bacterial infections, not against viral infections such as the common cold and flu.
If you miss a dose of Metronidazole, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Metronidazole may cause jaundice in a rare case. Please consult your doctor immediately if you notice yellowing of the skin and eyes.
No. Do not stop taking Metronidazole until the course is completed, as prescribed by the doctor. If you stop taking it, your problem may reoccur. If you experience any difficulty or adverse events that persist while taking it, report them to your doctor and seek appropriate treatment.
Metronidazole may also be used with other medications to treat certain stomach/intestinal ulcers caused by a bacteria (H. pylori). Even so, it can only be used if advised by a doctor.
Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Metronidazole, as it may cause an overdose. The symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, seizures (fits), loss of muscle coordination, and numbness, burning, pain, or tingling in the hands or feet. If you suspect you have taken an overdose or notice signs of overdose, please consult a doctor immediately.
If the symptoms do not improve within a few days after starting this medicine or if they worsen, consult your doctor. They will reassess the condition and provide guidance on appropriate treatment.
Metronidazole may interact with certain medications. So, do not use any other medications with Metronidazole unless recommended by the doctor. Your doctor will check for potential interactions and prescribe you if necessary.
Antibiotics like Metronidazole may reduce the vaccine's activity. To ensure an adequate vaccine response, vaccination should be administered at least 14 days after completing treatment with Metronidazole or 10 days before starting therapy with Metronidazole. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Let your doctor know about your child’s medical history and ongoing medications before prescribing Metronidazole.
Yes, it is normal. Metronidazole can cause urine discolouration. This is harmless and should resolve on its own once your child stops taking the medication.
Metronidazole may interfere with some drugs. Always check with a doctor before giving any medication, especially if your child is feverish. The doctor will advise the best course of treatment for your child.
To ensure the medication's effectiveness and progress of the medical condition, the doctor may perform certain lab tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), liver function test (LFT), and kidney function test (KFT) if necessary.
Common side effects of Metronidazole may include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and a metallic taste. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
