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, Metallic taste, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Muscle pain

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated on:

27 Dec 2019 | 03:52 PM (IST)

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Available Medicine for Metronidazole

Flagyl
₹7 to ₹20
Abbott
4 variant(s)
Metron
₹4 to ₹17
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
6 variant(s)
Metris
₹14
Claris Lifesciences Ltd
1 variant(s)
Metrogis
₹13
Surya Pharmaceutical Ltd
1 variant(s)
Aristogyl
₹4 to ₹11
Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
3 variant(s)
Metro
₹12 to ₹64
Makers Laboratories Ltd
5 variant(s)
Metgyl
₹46 to ₹75
Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2 variant(s)
Topmetro
₹90
Tetramed Biotek Pvt Ltd
1 variant(s)
Metrodac
₹10
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
1 variant(s)
Iveomezoled
₹24
Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd
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 use in a high dose or for a prolonged time increses 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 a liver disease. Your dose may need to be adjusted in severe liver disease.

Frequently asked questions for Metronidazole

Metronidazole

Q. Can the use of Metronidazole cause metallic taste?

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

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

If you have swallowed more than the recommended dose of Metronidazole then you should 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. Why it is harmful to drink alcohol while using Flagyl?

Alcohol should be strictly avoided while taking Flagyl and for at least 3 days after completely stopping the medicine. Drinking alcohol can cause an unpleasant reaction (Disulfuram reaction) with symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing or redness of the face.