Indications
- Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat a range of infections.
- It functions by halting the growth of specific bacteria and parasites.
- The antibiotic is effective only against certain bacterial and parasitic infections, not viral infections like the common cold or flu.
- Inappropriate antibiotic use can reduce its effectiveness for future infections.
- Metronidazole may be used with other medications to treat specific stomach/intestinal ulcers caused by the bacterium H. pylori.
Dosage and administration
- Consult the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting metronidazole and with each refill. Direct any questions to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take the medication orally as directed by your doctor. To prevent stomach upset, ingest it with food or a full glass of water or milk.
- If using the suspension form, shake the bottle thoroughly before each dose. Use a special measuring device/spoon to measure the dose accurately; avoid using a household spoon.
- Dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dose is also based on weight.
- For optimal effectiveness, take the antibiotic at evenly spaced intervals. To aid memory, take the medication at the same time(s) daily.
- Complete the full prescribed amount even if symptoms subside; premature cessation may lead to a recurrence of the infection.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Possible side effects may include dizziness, headache, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, or a metallic taste in the mouth. Notify your doctor or pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
- The medication may cause darkening of urine, a harmless effect that resolves upon stopping the medication.
- Prescribed based on the doctor’s judgment of greater benefits than risks; many users do not experience serious side effects.
- Report immediately to your doctor if you encounter serious side effects, such as signs of a new infection, easy bruising/bleeding, stomach/abdominal pain, or painful urination.
- Seek immediate medical help for very serious side effects, including unsteadiness, seizures, mental/mood changes (confusion), trouble speaking, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, eye pain, sudden vision changes, severe or persistent headache, or a stiff/painful neck.
- Prolonged or repeated use may lead to oral thrush or a new yeast infection; contact your doctor for symptoms like white patches in the mouth or changes in vaginal discharge.
- A severe allergic reaction to the drug is rare but requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist for any other observed effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to metronidazole, other antibiotics, or any other substances. Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions.
- Share your medical history, particularly liver disease, kidney disease, certain blood disorders, or Cockayne syndrome, with your doctor or pharmacist before using the medication.
- Avoid alcohol and products containing propylene glycol during metronidazole treatment and for at least 3 days afterward to prevent severe stomach upset, cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and flushing.
- The medication may cause dizziness. Refrain from activities requiring alertness, and avoid alcohol or marijuana use, as they can intensify dizziness.
- Notify your healthcare professional before immunizations/vaccinations, as metronidazole may impact the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines like the typhoid vaccine.
- Inform your doctor or dentist about all products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products, before undergoing surgery.
- Use during pregnancy should be based on a clear need, and potential risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor.
- If prescribed a single-dose treatment, consult your doctor before resuming breastfeeding, as the medication passes into breast milk.
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