Metronidazole

 

How to use

Metronidazole should be taken orally with a full glass of water. You can take this medication with or without food, but it is recommended to take Metronidazole with a small meal or a glass of milk to prevent stomach upsets. Take Metronidazole at even intervals to get the best results (this is done to keep the amount of medicine in your body at a constant level) Continue to take Metronidazole until the prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear before this time.

 

Overdose

If you have taken too much of this medication, you should contact your local poison control center and/or emergency authorities immediately.

 

Missed dose

If you have missed a dosage, take it as soon as you remember.  If it is closer to your next dosage, skip the missed dose, resume your schedule and do not attempt to double up on a dosage.

 

Notes

While taking Metronidazole, you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor.

Do not share Metronidazole with others, as they may have a problem which is not effectively treated by this medication.

 

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and keep away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

 

Important note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of Metronidazole is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

 

 

Precautions

Tell your doctor about any allergies you may have. Inform your doctor of your medical history especially of:

• Liver problems
• Seizure disorders
• Allergies

Taking Metronidazole for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g. an oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Metronidazole and for at least 3 days after finishing the course of this medication.
 

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor of all the medication you use, especially if you take:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
• A blood thinner such as Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others)
• Disulfiram (Antabuse)

This is not a complete list of drugs which could possibly interact with Metronidazole. Inform your doctor of any other prescription, over-the-counter or herbal medication you use, even if prescribed by another doctor. Let your doctor know if you start using any other new medication.

 

 

Side effects of Metronidazole may include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Change in taste sensation or dry mouth

If any of the following unlikely side effects occur, contact your doctor immediately:

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Tingling of hands or feet

If any of these highly unlikely but serious side effects occur, contact your doctor immediately:

• Unsteadiness
• Mood or mental changes
• Rash
• Itching
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Severe stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Vaginal irritation

Metronidazole may cause urine to become darker in color. This is a very common side effect and is not harmful.

 

How does Metronidazole work? Metronidazole attacks anaerobic bacteria, responsible for parasitic bacterial infections. Anaerobic bacteria are single-celled, living organisms that live and grow in environments where there is little oxygen. They can cause diseases in the abdomen, liver or pelvis. Metronidazole penetrates and blocks the functions of these cells and parasites, which subsequently kills them.

What is the recommended dosage for Metronidazole? There is no one recommended dosage of Metronidazole. The recommended dosage depends on the condition being treated, the severity of it, and your own medical history, age and weight.

How long does Metronidazole take to start working? Metronidazole is usually well absorbed by the body and takes 1-2 hours to start taking effect.

Are there situations in which Metronidazole should not be taken? Metronidazole should not be prescribed during the first trimester of pregnancy or to women who are nursing. It can have serious effects on a fetus or newborn baby.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Metronidazole? You should not drink alcohol while taking Metronidazole as the mixture of the two can cause serious side effects such as: Abdominal cramps Nausea Vomiting Headaches Flushing Some psychotic reactions have been reported when Metronidazole is used by alcoholics.