Metronidazole

Information about Metronidazole

Metronidazole Uses

Metronidazole is used in the treatment of bacterial infections and parasitic infections. It is used in infections of the brain, reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, vagina, and other areas of the body.

How Metronidazole works

Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It kills the bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections by damaging their DNA.

Common side effects of Metronidazole

Headache, Dryness in mouth, Nausea, Glossitis (tongue inflammation), Metallic taste, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Muscle pain
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Shreya Gupta
MDS (Oral Pathology & Microbiology), BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated:
31 Aug 2020 | 03:29 PM (UTC)
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Read Our Editorial Policy

Available Medicine for Metronidazole

FlagylAbbott
₹11 to ₹304 variant(s)
MetronAlkem Laboratories Ltd
₹4 to ₹166 variant(s)
MetrisClaris Lifesciences Ltd
₹141 variant(s)
MetrogisSurya Pharmaceutical Ltd
₹131 variant(s)
AristogylAristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
₹4 to ₹143 variant(s)
MetroMakers Laboratories Ltd
₹12 to ₹635 variant(s)
MetgylJagsonpal Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹46 to ₹752 variant(s)
TopmetroTetramed Biotek Pvt Ltd
₹901 variant(s)
MetrodacCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹101 variant(s)
IveomezoledFresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd
₹241 variant(s)

Expert advice for Metronidazole

  • Metronidazole treats infections caused by bacteria and parasites.
  • It may cause side effects like nausea, stomach upset, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
  • Metronidazole used in a high dose or for a prolonged time increases the risk of side effects such as nerve damage. Take it only as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Do not drink alcohol during or for 2-3 days after treatment with this medicine. You may develop nausea, vomiting, flushing and headache.
  • Inform your doctor if you have  liver disease. Your dose may need to be adjusted in severe liver disease.

Frequently asked questions for Metronidazole

Metronidazole

Q. How long does Metronidazole take to work?

Usually, Metronidazole starts working within 1 hour of its ingestion. However, it may take around 2-3 days to make you feel better while taking Metronidazole. If you do not experience any significant reduction in your symptoms, consult your doctor.

Q. Can I drink alcohol while using Metronidazole?

No, avoid drinking alcohol while taking Metronidazole. Moreover, you should avoid alcohol even after 3 days of finishing the complete course. Drinking alcohol can cause an unpleasant reaction (disulfiram like reaction) with symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing or redness of the face.

Q. Can the use of Metronidazole cause metallic taste?

Yes, Metronidazole may cause a temporary metallic taste. This metallic taste can be reduced by staying hydrated, brushing teeth after the meals and chewing sugar-free gum or mints.

Q. What if I take more than the recommended dose of Metronidazole?

If you have taken Metronidazole in excess (more than the recommended dose), immediately contact your doctor or report to the nearest hospital. Overdose of Metronidazole may cause loss of appetite, metallic taste, headache, dizziness, insomnia or drowsiness.

Q. Can I stop taking Metronidazole when I feel better?

No, do not stop taking Metronidazole and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Hence, if you stop taking the medicine before completing the course, your infection may come back. Consult your doctor before you stop taking Metronidazole and follow their advice.

Q. What if there is no improvement after using Metronidazole?

Inform your doctor if you didn't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.

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