Metronidazole

Last updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)

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.

Available generics for Metronidazole

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Flagyl 0.5% Solution for Infusion

bottle of 100 ml solution for infusion

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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

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

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Medicine brands for Metronidazole

Metris

Claris Lifesciences Ltd

₹13 to ₹13

1 variant(s)

Metrogis

Surya Pharmaceutical Ltd

₹12 to ₹12

1 variant(s)

Aristogyl

Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹3 to ₹16

3 variant(s)

Metro

Makers Laboratories Ltd

₹12 to ₹59

7 variant(s)

Metgyl

Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹43 to ₹70

2 variant(s)

Topmetro

Tetramed Biotek Pvt Ltd

₹102 to ₹102

1 variant(s)

Metrodac

Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹9 to ₹9

1 variant(s)

Iveomezoled

Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd

Alkem Laboratories Ltd

₹12 to ₹12

1 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.
Metronidazole treats infections caused by bacteria and parasites.
It may also be used to prevent infections following surgery.
Always take the complete course of treatment, as advised by your doctor, even if you feel better.
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

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 did not feel better after completing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him/her if your symptoms are getting worse during the treatment.