What You Need To Know About Metronidazole In 2023

There have been a lot of searches and queries about metronidazole. In today’s article we will be explaining in full detail metronidazole, we will discuss the meaning, uses, precautions, interactions, and side effects of metronidazole, and by the end of this article, you will be able to have the full knowledge about metronidazole.

What is metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is actually used for the treatment of bacterial infections of the liver, skin, stomach, joints, lungs, heart, spinal cord, or bloodstream. This medication is also used to treat trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a parasite ).

Metronidazole should not be used to treat any bacterial infections or conditions if it has not been checked by your doctor. This medication can be used as part of combination therapy. It means metronidazole can be used with some other medications which are being prescribed by your doctor. 

Metronidazole comes in different dosage forms, it has solid, liquid, and semi-solid dosage forms. These medications include; oral capsules, oral tablets, creams, and gels.

How Does Metronidazole Work? 

Metronidazole is under the class of drugs known as nitroimidazole antimicrobials. And this class of drug works similarly and they are also used to treat similar conditions. 

Generally, antimicrobials are being used in the treatment of infections. 

All infections which are caused by bacteria and some other organisms called protozoa are being treated by antimicrobials. 

Metronidazole tablets work specifically by inhibiting or killing the organisms or bacteria that cause infection. 

Side Effects Of Metronidazole 

Metronidazole does not cause drowsiness like other drugs like; oc80, ip33, and Texa pills. But it causes some other side effects such as; 

1. Loss of appetite 

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Metallic taste

4. Headache

5. Diarrhea

6. Constipation

7. Cramping in your stomach area

8. Heartburn

Most times the side effects of metronidazole are usually mild, and they may go away in a few days. However, if the side effects are more severe and they persist for days then you may need to consult your doctor or Pharmacist.

While taking this medication, in some cases chronic side effects may occur. You need to inform your doctor immediately or call the emergency number “ 911 ” if you have any serious or chronic side effects of metronidazole. 

Chronic side effects of metronidazole include; 

1. Convulsions 

2. ataxia (which is the loss of control of body movements)

3. Encephalopathy and seizures 

4. Dizziness 

5. Headache and confusion

Disclaimer: You need to understand that this medication could cause different side effects in people. We are only providing the most relevant information about the side effects of metronidazole. 

Although we cannot say that all the information which is provided in this article is the possible side effects of metronidazole. If you experience any of these side effects, do not hesitate to inform your doctor immediately. 

Metronidazole Interactions

Interactions may take place when metronidazole is being used alongside some other medications. The tablet form of metronidazole can interact with some other medications such as; herbs or vitamins you may be taking. 

And these interactions may affect the way metronidazole works. To avoid interactions of metronidazole with some other medications, then you have to make sure you inform or tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking while using metronidazole. 

Here are drugs that can interact with metronidazole 

1. Disulfiram: Taking Disulfiram and metronidazole can cause dangerous and chronic effects on your body. It is highly recommended not to take Disulfiram with metronidazole. When someone takes Disulfiram and metronidazole, this could lead to psychotic reactions which include; 

i. Hallucinations ( Seeing things that are not real) 

ii. Confusion 

iii. Delusions 

If you have taken Disulfiram in the last  2 weeks, do not use metronidazole as this may lead to chronic side effects. 

How To Take metronidazole

All the drug forms or dosages might not be included in this article. However, your drug form and dosages will depend on certain things which are ; 

i. The condition of the patient 

ii. Age of the patient 

iii. Some other medical conditions on how you react to the first dose of metronidazole. 

The best and the recommended way to take metronidazole is by using the right prescription which is being prescribed by your doctor or by reading the prescription leaflet carefully.

Warnings 

When you are about to take metronidazole, do not take this medication if you recently took an alcoholic drink or if you have taken Disulfiram within the past two weeks. While taking metronidazole do not take or consume foods or any medicine that actually contain propylene glycol. 

There have been some nervous system abnormalities and seizure cases being reported in patients treated with metronidazole. If you experience any chronic side effects or any neurological symptoms for instance headaches, seizures, weakness, tingling, or visual changes. However, if you experience any chronic side effects then do not hesitate to inform your doctor about it. 

Metronidazole will not treat any viral infections such as flu or common colds. 

Some studies show that in some animals like mice and rats, metronidazole gas causes certain types of diseases like cancers and also tumors. But it is not known if this medication can cause such effects in people who take this medicine. 

However, it is highly recommendable to ask your doctor before you start taking this medication. If you are allergic to metronidazole, do not take or use this medication and if you are also allergic to some other medications such as tinidazole, or secnidazole don’t take this medicine. 

Metronidazole should not be used to treat trichomoniasis, it can also be harmful to unborn babies. You need to inform your doctor if you are pregnant. 

Research has also shown that not all the uses of metronidazole are being approved to treat children and teenagers. This medication is not approved to treat virginal infections for ladies who have begun menstrual periods. 

For proper safety make sure you inform your doctor if you have ever had ; 

1. Kidney disease 

2. Heart rhythm disorder 

3  Liver disease 

4. Blood cell disorder for instance Anemia ( which is known as lack of red blood cells ), low white blood cells. 

5. Intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease 

6. Nerve disorder 

7. Fungal infections  

Do not breastfeed within 24 hours after you use metronidazole. 

Usage

The best and the most recommendable way to use metronidazole is by following your doctor’s prescription advice. You need to make sure you follow the directions on your prescription label. You can also read all the medication guides or leaflets. 

There is a different type of route of administration( The path or by which the drugs get into your systemic circulation and give therapeutic effects )  of metronidazole. We have the intravenous route and the oral route. If the metronidazole you are to use is an oral route, then this medication should be used orally. If the metronidazole is an infusion, then it will be given intravenously. 

Shake the oral suspension bottle before you start measuring it. And it has to be measured using a measuring device.  

The extended-release tablets should be swallowed as a whole and not be crushed, chewed, or broken. 

Sexually transmitted diseases should be treated by each partner. So if you are treating the vaginal infection with metronidazole, your partner also needs to be treated so you won’t be reinfected. 

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms improve quickly. It is very important for you to complete your dose. Skipping your doses could actually make your infections resistant to metronidazole. 

This medication should not be shared with any other person even if they have the same symptoms as yours unless you are a health practitioner. Anyone that has the same symptoms as yours can make a complaint to a doctor or a Pharmacist as they will give the best medications. 

Storage

This medication should be stored properly in a safe place. If it should be stored at room temperature, it should also be kept away from heat and moisture. 

Metronidazole should be kept away from children’s reach, always make sure this medication is not abused by anyone. Hence, if you see anyone abusing this medicine then you can report to a health care center for help. 

In Summary About Metronidazole 

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication that is being used to treat several infections such as vaginal, joints, stomach, heart, and lung infections. This medication has been proven to work effectively when it is used in the right way. 

Some common side effects of metronidazole are; diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. This medication can as well cause some Chronic side effects in rare cases. However, if you notice any chronic side effects of metronidazole then make sure you inform your doctor immediately and seek medical help. 

Metronidazole should not be taken if you recently took an alcoholic drink or if you have just taken Disulfiram within the past 2 weeks. Metronidazole should be kept in a safe place and it shouldn’t be abused by anyone. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Metronidazole 

There have been a lot of questions being asked by different people across the world about metronidazole which include ; 

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medication is an antibiotic there are many chances you won’t miss a dose. However, if you miss a dose and it’s about the time to take your next dose, do not double the dose because you missed a dose earlier. 

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose of metronidazole can lead to some side effects. However, if you overdose make sure you seek emergency medical attention immediately or call the Poison helpline at >> 1-800-222-1222.