Metronidazole
About
Metronidazole belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-microbial agents 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 Trichomonas parasite, amoebiasis (parasitic infection of the colon), and to prevent infections after surgery.
Metronidazole contains metronidazole that 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 duration depending on the type of infection. Some common side effects of Metronidazole are nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and metallic taste. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, consult a doctor.
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 medications to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Metronidazole
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 following childbirth or in a wound following an operation. It works by preventing the infection-causing bacteria or parasites from growing.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Metronidazole
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Metallic taste
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
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. So, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to get 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 if you have Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, bone marrow depression/low blood count, CNS disorder, epilepsy, porphyria (blood disorder), peripheral neuropathy, heart, kidney or liver problems.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Metronidazole have interactions with medicines used to treat HIV (amprenavir), anti-coagulant medications (anisindione, dicumarol, warfarin), certain vaccinations (BCG, cholera vaccine live, typhoid vaccine live), anti-cancer medication (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 if you have Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, bone marrow depression/low blood count, CNS disorder, epilepsy, porphyria (blood disorder), peripheral neuropathy, heart, kidney or liver 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 for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Metronidazole and for 12-24 hours after completing the course.
Driving
cautionMetronidazole may cause dizziness and drowsiness; thus, avoid using machinery or driving unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionMetronidazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending upon your liver conditions.
Kidney
cautionMetronidazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending upon your kidney conditions.
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.
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 like yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut and kimchi can help restore the intestine's 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 like 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 aid Metronidazole in fighting 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. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. 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 weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines are more prone to bacterial infection.
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 works by preventing the production of proteins required by the harmful microorganisms for their survival. Thereby Metronidazole treat and prevent bacterial and parasitic infections.
Metronidazole may cause jaundice in a rare case. Please consult your doctor immediately if you notice yellowing of skin and eyes.
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 and not viral infections like common cold and flu.
If you miss a dose of Metronidazole, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
