Metronidazole

Description

Metronidazole is an anti-infective medicine. It is used in treating infections

of various parts of the body caused by many microorganisms, including bacteria and amoeba-like organisms (protozoan parasites). This medicine is not recommended to be used by pregnant women and lactating mothers and should be used with caution in elderly patients. Metronidazole should be taken as instructed by the doctor. You should complete the entire treatment with this medicine as prescribed by the doctor and not stop taking this medicine abruptly, even if you feel better.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses

Metronidazole is used to treat parasitic infections such as amoebiasis.
It is used to prevent sexually transmitted infections such as urogenital trichomoniasis or giardiasis.
It is also used to treat infections of the gums, teeth and skin due to various infective microorganisms.

Contraindications

When should one not use Metronidazole

If you are allergic to metronidazole
If you are pregnant (first trimester) or are breastfeeding.
If you are suffering from a bacterial infection in the vagina.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Eating disorder
Unpleasant taste
Pain or stomach discomfort

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Metronidazole during pregnancy?

Metronidazole should not be used during pregnancy, especially in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. However, the doctor may prescribe you with this medicine after accessing the benefit of the treatment over risk to the baby.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Metronidazole while breastfeeding?

Metronidazole passes into the breastmilk, hence it is advised not to breastfeed during the treatment with Metronidazole and for at least for a day after the treatment has been discontinued.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Metronidazole?

You may feel dizzy, drowsy, confusion, hallucination, visual disturbance or sometimes fits after taking Metronidazole. So, it is advised to be cautious while driving or operating machines.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Metronidazole?

The consumption of alcohol along with Metronidazole can lead to the chances of disulfiram-like reaction where you may experience low blood pressure, hot flushes, nausea, shortness of breath and someti...
Read more
It is advised to avoid alcohol consumption during the treatment. You should not be consuming alcohol during the treatment and at least for 48 hours after the treatment with it.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You suffer from blood disorders like blood-fluid imbalance (dyscrasias) or porphyria.
You had or have a history of fits or epilepsy.
You are taking it for more than 10 days.
You are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
You experience infections.
You have peripheral neuropathy (abnormal, painful sensations like pins and needles).
You have liver or kidney disease or are on dialysis.
You are suffering from Cockayne syndrome (growth retardation, impaired development of the brain and sensitivity to sunlight).
You are an alcoholic and must avoid alcohol during the treatment and at least after 48 hours of discontinuation of the treatment.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Metronidazole acts by stopping the growth of certain bacteria and parasites which are responsible for infection by interrupting the DNA and causing the DNA strands to break.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Metronidazole when taking along with Lithium which is used to treat psychiatric disorders can cause kidney damage.
Concomitant use of Metronidazole with anticoagulants like Warfarin may potentiate the anticoagulant effects.
Concomitant use of disulfiram which is used to treat alcohol addiction can cause mental disorders like hallucinations, etc.
Concomitant use of Metronidazole can reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Thus, a physical barrier should be used for effective contraception.
Be cautious if you are taking immunosuppressants like Ciclosporin with Metronidazole as it can increase the levels of ciclosporin in the body.
Other medicines which may affect the activity of Metronidazole are antacids like Cimetidine, Fluorouracil to treat cancer, Phenytoin or Primidone to treat fits or epilepsy.
Discuss with your doctor about any other medicine, herbal preparation and supplements you are giving to your child currently to avoid any possible drug interactions.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdose of Metronidazole can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, disturbance in taste, headache, dizziness, drowsiness and lack of sleep. If you think you have taken too much of this medi...

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose ...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can Metronidazole be used to treat Urinary tract infection?

A: No, Metronidazole cannot be used to treat Urinary tract infection.

Q: Is Metronidazole addictive?

A: No, Metronidazole is not an addiction-causing medicine. However, it should be used as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Metronidazole?

A: You must avoid all alcohol and products containing propylene glycol (found in some foods and medications) while taking metronidazole and for at least three days after your last dose. Combining metronidazole with alcohol can cause a severe reaction with symptoms like flushing, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and a fast heartbeat.

Q: What are the precautions I should take while on this medication?

A: You should not take metronidazole if you have a known allergy to it or similar medicines. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or a nerve disorder. If you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction like swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical help.

References

View All

Last Updated on: 16 Sep 2025 | 08:04 PM (IST)

Share This With Your Friends

Recent articles

See All

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.