Metronidazole+diloxanide
About
Metronidazole+diloxanide belongs to a group of medicines known as antibiotics used to treat various infections caused by bacteria and parasites (amoeba). It is prescribed for the treatment of diarrhea caused by microorganisms Clostridium difficile, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. Additionally, it also treats vaginal and other bacterial infections. Infections caused by amoeba usually happen due to drinking contaminated water or eating food that contains contaminated water. Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools or frequent movement of the bowel.
Metronidazole+diloxanide contains two medicines namely: Metronidazole and Diloxanide. Metronidazole+diloxanide contains Metronidazole which is an antibiotic , it treats the infection by damaging the DNA of the organism and does killing the bacteria. Diloxanide is an amoebicide. It works inside the large intestine to kill the infection causing amoeba (parasites). Altogether Metronidazole+diloxanide kills the bacteria and parasites. Metronidazole+diloxanide does not treat a viral infection like flu or a common cold.
Take Metronidazole+diloxanide as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Metronidazole+diloxanide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. Some common side effects of Metronidazole+diloxanide are nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dry mouth and metallic taste. If these effects appear and are bothersome, call your doctor or pharmacist.
Use of Metronidazole+diloxanide is contraindicated in the patient suffering from central nervous system (CNS) diseases like seizures (fits). Metronidazole+diloxanide 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. You should not breastfeed while taking Metronidazole+diloxanide as it passes into the breastmilk, and can affect the baby. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Metronidazole+diloxanide as it may cause dizziness, drowsiness and make you less alert.
Uses of Metronidazole+diloxanide
Medicinal Benefits
Metronidazole+diloxanide is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. kills the harmful bacteria and amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Clostridium difficile) causing diarrhoea. Metronidazole+diloxanide contains Metronidazole which is an antibiotic , it treats the infection by damaging the DNA of the organism and does killing the bacteria. Diloxanide is an amoebicide. It works inside the large intestine to kill the infection causing amoeba (parasites). Altogether Metronidazole+diloxanide kills the bacteria and parasites. Metronidazole+diloxanide does not treat a viral infection like flu or a common cold.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Metronidazole+diloxanide
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
- Dry mouth
- Sharp, unpleasant metallic taste
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
You should immediately report to the doctor in case you have symptoms of dehydration like dehydration dry mouth, excessive thirst, wrinkled skin, little or no urination, dizziness and lightheadedness. In some cases, prolonged intake of Metronidazole+diloxanide has been associated with leukopenia (low count of white blood cells). Intake of probiotics, prebiotics and plenty of fluids is recommended if you are suffering from dysentery and diarrhea. If you are feeling sick or vomiting, then it is advised to eat simple foods or avoid spicy foods. If a person experiences skin rash or itching after taking Metronidazole+diloxanide then they should consult with their doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Metronidazole+diloxanide have interactions with medicines to stop your blood clotting (coumarins, warfarin), to treat epilepsy (phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), to treat depression (lithium), to treat cancer (busulfan, fluorouracil or mycophenolate), to treat alcohol addiction (disulfiram), to treat stomach ulcers (cimetidine).
Drug-Food Interaction: The consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided as it may lead to flushing, drowsiness and dizziness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Metronidazole+diloxanide should not be given to people with liver problems, muscle problems (myasthenia gravis), heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia), seizures (fits), alcoholism, cancer, electrolyte imbalance (low potassium or magnesium level), colitis (inflammation of the intestine) porphyria (rare genetic blood disorder) and neuro-related diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Metronidazole+diloxanide to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeMetronidazole+diloxanide should not be used during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
Breast Feeding
cautionTake Metronidazole+diloxanide only when prescribed, it is known to pass on in a limited quantity via breast milk to the child.
Driving
cautionMetronidazole+diloxanide may affect driving as it causes dizziness, so it is advised to avoid driving.
Liver
cautionMetronidazole+diloxanide to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionMetronidazole+diloxanide to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. Dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionDose to be adjusted and recommended by a child specialist only.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- If you have diarrhea try to drink appropriate amounts of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- If you have minor diarrhea (less than four stools daily) drinking caffeine-free soft drinks, juices or sport rehydration drinks can be sufficient.
- If the diarrhea is more severe, specially formulated rehydration drinks should be taken. Consult your doctor immediately.
Special Advise
- Please consult your doctor immediately if have allergic reactions like skin rash, which may be itchy, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, fever or difficulty in breathing.
- Don't stop taking the tablets your infection may come back, Talk to your doctor before you stop taking the tablets and follow their advice.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly of spherical, rod and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Few harmful bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and E. coli. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine can make you more prone to bacterial infection.
Amoebic dysentery: It is an intestinal (bowel) illness caused by a parasite (amoeba) known as Entamoeba histolytica spread through human feces (poop). Usually, there are no symptoms, but sometimes it causes diarrhoea (loose stool/poop), nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach) and weight loss.
FAQs
Metronidazole+diloxanide is an antibiotic medication so it is advised to complete the full course even if you start to feel better to prevent the return of the infection.
Yes, it could be due to jaundice as in rare cases Metronidazole+diloxanide can lead to it. Please consult your doctor immediately if the yellowing of the skin persists and does not subside.
You should complete the full course of Metronidazole+diloxanide as prescribed by your doctor. After completing the full course of Metronidazole+diloxanide will work. You must take Metronidazole+diloxanide at the right dose, right times and for the right numbers of days.
Metronidazole+diloxanide is an antibacterial medicine that acts only against bacterial infections and not viral infections like common cold and flu. You should not take Metronidazole+diloxanide without prior consulting your doctor. Self-medication is dangerous and can lower the efficacy of Metronidazole+diloxanide, leading to antibiotic resistance.
If you miss a dose of Metronidazole+diloxanide, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
