What is Metronidazole?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that helps fight bacteria. This is used for treating many bacterial infections that are caused by:
- Vagina
- Stomach
- Intestines
- Liver
- Skin
- Joints
- Brain
- Heart and Respiratory Tract
Immediate-release drugs are released into the body right away, and extended-release drugs are released slowly. Both are available as generic medications.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Uses of Metronidazole?
- Stops Bacteria and Parasites: Metronidazole antibiotics stop the growth of bacteria and parasites.
- Treats Infections: Used for various bacterial and parasitic infections.
- Not for Viral Infections: Ineffective against viral infections like cold and flu.
- Treats STDs: Used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Type of Medication: Classified as nitroimidazole antimicrobials.
- Risk of Unnecessary Use: Using it without need can increase infection risk.
Metronidazole Side Effects
Common Metronidazole Side Effects:
Major Metronidazole Side Effects:
- Numbness
- Rash
- Seizures
- Itching
- Hives
- Peeling
- Flushing
- Stuffy nose
- Joint Pain
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in speaking
- Agitation
If you have any of these serious symptoms, immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, if you get any kind of reaction in your body due to Metronidazole, try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take medicines, as your problems were more severe, and the benefits of this medicine were greater than the side effects.
The majority of the people who use this medicine don't show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Metronidazole side effects.
Precautions
Before taking these tablets, visit your doctor and tell him if you are allergic to any of the medications. Also, share with your doctor if you're taking any medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal products to avoid any medical emergencies.
Talk to your doctor if you have the following diseases:
- Crohn's disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages or any tobacco product while taking Metronidazole tablets. Alcohol consumption can cause some serious illness like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Redness of the face
How do you get rid of the side effects?
- Nausea: Take metronidazole tablets or snacks after your meal. Avoid eating heavy or spicy meals.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: Try drinking enough water to avoid dehydration. Take small sips of warm water if you're vomiting. If diarrhoea and vomiting last for more than 24 hours, consult with the doctor to avoid any medical emergencies.
How do you take Metronidazole tablets?
Metronidazole tablets are taken once a day or can be divided into two doses for up to 10 days. The extended-release tablets are taken at least once a day before 1 hour or after 2 hours of meal.
Follow the directions in the prescription or consult a doctor before taking the medicines.
Swallow the full tablets without crushing or breaking them. Drink enough water to avoid vomiting. Try to complete the total dosage of the tablets even after you feel better.
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Book an AppointmentForms of Metronidazole:
Generic: Metronidazole (tablets) -250 mg, 500 mg
Dosage
Adult dosage: Dosage depends on the infection type
Bacterial Infection: Take a 500 mg dose four times a day for at least 7-19 days.
Amoebic infections: Take 500 mg or 750 mg dose three times a day for 5-10 days.
Trichomoniasis: Take 250 mg dose three times a day for 7 days
Missed Dosage:
Missing one or two doses of Metronidazole won't have any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. However, with some medications, it won't work if you don't take the dosage on time.
If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose:
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Metronidazole tablets, there is a chance of having a harmful effect on your body's
functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Metronidazole Warnings:
- Cancer
- Effects on the nervous system
- Allergic reactions
People with Serious Health Conditions:
People with liver disease
If a person is suffering from liver disease try avoiding the usage of this drug. Or, before taking Metronidazole, tell your doctors about the problems you are facing.
People with kidney disease
If you have kidney disease, then your body may process the drug very slowly. This can increase the amount of drug, and it can increase the high risk of side effects.
Pregnant women
Metronidazole's safety in pregnancy is not fully evaluated. Consult your doctor before use to avoid potential risks.
Breastfeeding
Metronidazole passes into the breast milk. It can cause some side effects to children who are breastfed. These can include diarrhea, vomiting and rash before taking Metronidazole while breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
How to Store Metronidazole Tablets?
Store the medicine at room temperature (68ºF to 77ºF or 20ºC to 25ºC), away from heat, air, and light, and out of children's reach.
Consult your doctor before taking Metronidazole. If you experience side effects, seek immediate medical attention. Carry your medications when travelling and follow your doctor's prescription.
Metronidazole vs Azithromycin
Metronidazole |
Azithromycin |
|---|---|
| Metronidazole is an antibiotic that helps in fighting with bacteria | It is Macrolide antibiotic |
| Side effects of Metronidazole are vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps and loss of appetite. | Side effects of Azithromycin are Rash, nervousness, tongue discolouration and indigestion |
| These are used to stop the growth of bacteria and parasites | It is used for the treatment of infections that are caused by bacteria such as bronchitis, pneumonia and infections of skin, throat, sinuses, lungs, ears and reproductive organ |
