Metronidazole+tetracycline
About
Metronidazole+tetracycline belongs to the class of medications called ‘anti-infectives' used in the treatment of bacterial infections. Bacterial infections are caused by the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Symptoms of bacterial infection vary depending on the organ affected by bacteria.
Metronidazole+tetracycline contains antibiotics: Metronidazole and Tetracycline. Metronidazole is bactericidal in nature. It kills the bacteria by damaging its genetic material. Tetracycline stops the growth of bacteria by preventing the formation of proteins that are essential for the survival of bacteria.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of Metronidazole+tetracycline are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, metallic taste in the mouth, vaginal itching, and mouth sores. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Metronidazole+tetracycline if you are allergic to any contents of it. Before taking Metronidazole+tetracycline, inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus (a skin disease). It is not recommended for children under 8 years of age. It should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Dose adjustments are required in elderly patients. Do not take alcohol as it can increase the risk of side effects. Metronidazole+tetracycline may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert.
Uses of Metronidazole+tetracycline
Medicinal Benefits
Metronidazole+tetracycline may cause improvements in the symptoms gradually. However, take this medicine regularly as intended by the doctor for the best results. It contains two antibiotics: Metronidazole and Tetracycline. Metronidazole is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, whereas Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Together, Metronidazole+tetracycline can be used to treat various bacterial infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Metronidazole+tetracycline
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Vaginal itching
- Mouth sores
- Photosensitivity (skin sensitivity to the sun)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Metronidazole+tetracycline, inform your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder), liver or kidney disease, and problems with the nervous system. Do not take Metronidazole+tetracycline if you have taken disulfiram, a medicine used to treat alcoholism within the past 14 days. Metronidazole+tetracycline may cause liver damage, especially in patients with Cockayne syndrome (a rare inherited disorder that causes developmental delay). Metronidazole+tetracycline may cause serious skin reactions, so if you notice a serious rash or other skin symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. While using Metronidazole+tetracycline, inform your doctor if you experience stomach pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, malaise (feeling unwell), dark urine, and pale, clay-colored stools.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Metronidazole+tetracycline may interact with penicillin antibiotics, medicines to treat acne (acitretin, isotretinoin, and tretinoin), oral contraceptives, blood thinner (warfarin), water pills, medicines used to treat diarrhea (kaolin-pectin and bismuth subsalicylate), medicines used to treat diabetes (insulin, glibenclamide, and gliclazide), medicines that cause liver damage, anesthetic (methoxyflurane), a medicine used to treat pneumonia (atovaquone), antacids, a medicine used to treat ulcers (sucralfate), an antidepressant (lithium), a medicine used to treat heart disease (digoxin), a medicine used to treat osteoporosis (strontium ranelate), anticancer agent (5-fluorouracil), medicines used to treat high cholesterol (colestipol and cholestyramine), a medicine used to treat fits (phenobarbital and phenytoin), medicine that suppress the immune system (cyclosporine), a medicine used to treat alcoholism (disulfiram), and medicines used to treat migraine (ergotamine and methysergide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not take alcohol while using Metronidazole+tetracycline as it may increase the risk of side-effects. Do not take dairy products while using this medicine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Metronidazole+tetracycline should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney problems, myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder), and problems with the nervous system.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol may increase the risk of side-effects. So, please consult a doctor for advice.
Pregnancy
unsafeMetronidazole+tetracycline is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby. So, please consult a doctor before using this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionMetronidazole+tetracycline may pass into breast milk and cause harmful effects in the nursing baby. So, please consult a doctor before using this medicine.
Driving
cautionMetronidazole+tetracycline may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert.
Liver
cautionMetronidazole+tetracycline should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionMetronidazole+tetracycline should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeMetronidazole+tetracycline is not recommended for children below 08 years of age as it may cause permanent discolouration of tooth enamel and can affect bone development.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Probiotics should be taken after taking the full course of Metronidazole+tetracycline to restore some healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Certain fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi can help restore the intestine's good bacteria.
- Include more fiber-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fiber-rich foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread, brown rice should be included in your diet.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages can make you dehydrated and also affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the antibiotic in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
Complete the course of treatment even if you feel better. Abrupt stopping of Metronidazole+tetracycline may lead to the recurrence of symptoms.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. It can target any organ of the body and multiply very quickly. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses (like sore throat and ear infections) to severe brain infections (like meningitis and encephalitis). When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Few harmful bacteria that commonly cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. Anyone can get a bacterial infection, but people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines like steroids are more prone to infections.
FAQs
Metronidazole+tetracycline contains two antibiotics: Metronidazole and Tetracycline. Metronidazole is bactericidal in nature. It kills the bacteria by damaging its genetic material. Tetracycline stops the growth of bacteria by preventing the formation of proteins essential for the survival of bacteria. Together, Metronidazole+tetracycline can effectively treat bacterial infections.
Metronidazole+tetracycline increases your skin sensitivity to the sun, so avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. Wear sunscreen if you are going outdoors.
Do not take milk or milk products while using Metronidazole+tetracycline as it can impair absorption of the medicine and decrease the effectiveness.
Metronidazole+tetracycline should not be used along with other antibiotics. Concomitant use of other antibiotics may decrease its efficiency and result in unwanted effects.
Metronidazole+tetracycline is an antibiotic and should not be stopped without your doctor’s advice. Abrupt stopping of the medicine may cause recurrence of symptoms. So, you should complete the course of therapy as intended by the doctor.