Metronidazole – what it is, what it is for, how to take it and side effects!

Metronidazole is a bacteria -fighting antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, liver, skin, joints, brain and respiratory tract and will not treat a vaginal yeast infection.

You should not use the drug if you are allergic to it, or if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) in the last 2 weeks. Do not drink alcohol or consume foods or medications that contain propylene glycol while you are taking metronidazole and for at least 3 days after you stop taking it.

You may experience unpleasant side effects such as rapid heartbeat, heat or redness under the skin, tingling sensation, nausea and vomiting. This medication will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or the flu .

In animal studies, this drug caused certain types of cancer or tumors. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using this medicine. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Precautions before taking metronidazole:

You should not take metronidazole if you are allergic or if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the last 2 weeks. Using metronidazole during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while using this medicine.

To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor if you’ve ever had:

• Liver or kidney disease;
• Cockayne syndrome (a rare genetic disorder);
• A stomach or intestinal disease such as Crohn’s disease ;
• A blood cell disorder such as Anemia (lack of red blood cells) or low white blood cell (WBC) count
• A fungal infection anywhere on the body;
• A nervous disorder.

How should I take metronidazole?

Take metronidazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well before measuring a dose. Measure the liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist.

What happens if I miss a dose of metronidazole?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose on metronidazole?

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea , vomiting , dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, numbness and tingling or seizures.

What should I avoid while taking metronidazole?

Do not drink alcohol or consume foods or medications that contain propylene glycol while taking metronidazole . You may experience unpleasant side effects such as headaches , stomach cramps, nausea , vomiting  and flushing (feelings of heat, redness or tingling).

Avoid alcohol or propylene glycol for at least 3 days after you stop taking this medicine. Check the labels of any medications or food products you use to make sure they don’t contain alcohol or propylene glycol.

Antibiotics can cause diarrhea , which can be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrheal medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Metronidazole side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to metronidazole : hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Severe stomach pain, Diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• Difficulty sleeping, Depression , irritability;
• Headache, dizziness, weakness;
• A light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);
• Blisters or ulcers in the mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing.

Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor immediately if you experience neurological side effects (more likely to occur during long-term metronidazole treatment):

• Numbness, tingling or burning pain in the hands or feet;
• Vision problems, pain behind your eyes, seeing flashes of light;
• Muscle weakness, coordination problems;
• Difficulty speaking or understanding what is said to you;
• A seizure;
• Fever, stiff neck and increased sensitivity to light.

What Other Drugs Will Affect Metronidazole?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which can increase side effects or make the drugs less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medications and any you start or stop using, especially:

• Busulfan;
• Lithium;
• A thinner blood – warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other medications can interact with metronidazole, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Other information:

Remember, keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications with others, and use metronidazole only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.