Metronidazole belongs to a group of drugs called antibiotics. It kills bacteria and parasites that cause infections affecting lungs, brain, blood, bones, genital tract, stomach and intestines, pelvic area, teeth and gums, and legs.
Metronidazole is used to treat infections like gum ulcers, dental infections, pressure sores, leg ulcers, and infections in the brain, blood, bones, stomach, intestines, pelvis, and legs. It is also helpful in preventing infections after surgery.
Do not take Metronidazole if you are allergic to Metronidazole and Nitroimidazole. Metronidazole is not to be used if you have had a history of liver problems, kidney dialysis, or any nervous system issues.
Always talk to your doctor before taking Metronidazole and inform about your current medicines including the medicines you have taken without a prescription or herbal medicines.
Let your doctor know if you are using any medicines such as anticoagulants (warfarin), lithium, and medicines for treating epilepsy, and fluorouracil or busulfan for cancer, ciclosporin, and disulfiram for treating alcoholism.
You should keep your doctor informed if you are pregnant. Metronidazole is not to be used by pregnant or lactating women. Do not drive when taking Metronidazole as it causes drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, convulsions (in some), and eyesight problems etc.
Metronidazole may cause some side effects although these side effects may not be seen in everybody. Inform or see your doctor immediately if you notice any of the severe side effects: - Swelling in ankles, feet, face, lips, hands, and throat - Difficulty in swallowing or breathing - Itchy lumpy rash, nettle rash - Encephalopathy (very serious) - Fever - Stiff neck - Headache - Hallucinations - Difficulty in using hands and legs - Confusion
You should talk to your doctor if you experience any of these rare side effects of Metronidazole: - Jaundice - Mouth ulcers - Bleeding gums - Bruising - Extreme fatigue or tiredness - Severe abdominal pain or discomfort
Metronidazole may also cause very rare side effects such as fits (convulsions), confusion, hallucinations, blurred or double vision, skin rash, flushing, headache, dizziness, sleepiness, muscle and joint pains, hepatocellular liver injury (highly life threatening).
Metronidazole may cause an unpleasant taste in mouth, numbness, furred tongue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, depression etc.
Take Metronidazole as prescribed by your doctor. You should complete the entire course before stopping the medicine.
Do not crush or grind the medicine. Always swallow the whole tablet. Metronidazole is to be taken after or with meals.
In adults, the initial dose is 800mg daily, and then 400mg every 8 hourly. The dose is decided by your doctor, depending on the severity of your illness. For children, weight is considered before deciding the dose. It will be divided into 2 doses if required.
If you have a kidney problem, you may be advised to take the medicine after dialysis. If you have a liver problem, your doctor may give you reduced dose.
Do not take alcohol after taking Metronidazole as this interferes with its effectiveness.
If you take more medicine than required, inform your doctor immediately and rush to the nearest hospital.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. You should avoid taking the missed dose when it is time for your next dose. You should never take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Metronidazole is an antibiotic which kills bacteria and parasites that cause infections affecting lungs, brain, blood, bones, genital tract, stomach and intestines, pelvic area, teeth and gums, and legs.
Metronidazole is used to treat infections like gum ulcers, dental infections, pressure sores, leg ulcers, and infections in the brain, blood, bones, stomach, intestines, pelvis, and legs. It is also helpful in preventing infections after surgery.
Metronidazole interferes with some medicines and may reduce or elevate their effects. Thus, you should inform your doctor about any of the medicines you are currently using.
