METRONIDAZOLE

Overview

Metronidazole is an antibiotic effective against many infections caused by bacteria and parasites. It’s particularly useful in treating infections in the brain, reproductive system, gastro-intestinal tract, skin, vagina and other body parts.

Classification
Antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication

Uses

Metronidazole has been approved to treat:

Symptomatic trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection) in adults that has been confirmed by culture or wet smear test

Asymptomatic trichomoniasis in females when associated with cervical changes, and in asymptomatic sexual partners

Amebiasis (an infection caused by a parasite) in adults and children

Anaerobic bacterial infections (infections caused by bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive).

How it works

Metronidazole is thought to work by first diffusing into the cytoplasm of the anaerobic bacteria where it is then activated and reduced into a short-lived nitroso free radical which can interact with DNA, causing a loss of the helical DNA structure, strand breakage, and bacterial death.

Dosage

As directed by the physician

Precautions

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to metronidazole, secnidazole, or tinidazole, or if you:

Drank alcohol in the past 3 days

Consumed foods or medicines that contain propylene glycol in the past 3 days or

Took disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 14 days

Have Cockayne Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder that affects growth and development).

Before taking metronidazole, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

Liver disease

Kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)

A heart rhythm disorder

A stomach or intestinal disease such as Crohn’s disease

A blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or low white blood cell (WBC) counts

Medical problems that affect the brain or a nerve disorder

A yeast infection or a fungal infection anywhere in your body

A history of blood problems

Or take any medications, especially warfarin, lithium, busulfan, cimetidine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital

Side effects

Nausea, Vomiting, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Agitation, Back pain, Blindness, Blurred vision, Altered speech pattern, Confusion, Decreased vision, Depression, Dizziness, Impaired coordination, Seizure, Slurred speech

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.