Metronidazole

• 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.

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.

Common side effects of this drug are:

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

Other General Warnings

• 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.

How Does It Work?

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.

Overdose

Missed a Dose