All About Metronidazole
Metronidazole gel is employed in the treatment of certain vaginal bacterial infections such as bacterial vaginosis. The drug in its other forms can also be used to treat other illnesses as may be advised by your healthcare provider.
It is part of a class of medications referred to as nitroimidazole antimicrobials. It acts by wiping out the sensitive bacteria.
Interactions
Avoid metronidazole gel if:
• You have a hypersensitive reaction to any ingredient found in metronidazole gel, nitroimidazoles, or parabens.
• You have used disulfiram in the past two weeks.
Metronidazole gel may also interact with some medical conditions. Therefore, it is wise to inform your doctor if the following conditions apply to you.
• If you are an expectant mother, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• If you are using a prescribed or non-prescribed drug, herbal, or dietary supplement.
• If you are allergic to foods, medications, or other substances.
• If you are suffering from brain or nerve problems, blood problems, or a history of difficulties with your liver.
Drug interactions
Metronidazole gel may interact with some medications. Ask for advice from your doctor if you are using any other drug, particularly the ones below:
• Disulfiram
• Cimetidine
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin or lithium
Alcohol interaction
Avoid drinks that have alcohol for not less than three days ahead of utilizing metronidazole. Moreover, do not use alcohol for three days after using the drug.
The adverse effects of alcohol when utilized together with metronidazole include nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, headaches, or flushing. If you take alcohol, consult your physician on whether the medicine is safe for you.
Metronidazole gel side effects
Every medication has side effects. However, many users have minor or no side effects at all. Seek medical attention, if the following COMMON side effects continue or become worse:
• Diarrhea,
• Headache,
• Minor irritation of the vagina,
• Nausea,
• Painful menstrual period and discomfort of the pelvic area.
SEVERE side effects
• Severe allergic reactions such as rashes; itchiness, hives; breathing difficulties and chest tightness; swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, and lips.
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Seizures
• Severe or continuous vaginal irritation
• Strange vaginal odour
• Itching, or discharge
How Metronidazole works
The immediate-release and extended release tablets of metronidazole achieve their action by killing bacteria to relieve the infection. Metronidazole falls under the nitiroimidazole antimicrobial class of drugs, meaning the drugs work in the same way and are usually used to cure similar health conditions.
Metronidazole 500mg Dosage
Your dosage, form of drug, and how frequently you take the medication will depend on the following:
• your age
• the illness being treated
• the severity of your condition
• other diseases that you may have
• your reaction to the first dose
Amoebic and bacterial infections
Adult dosage (from 18–64 years)The dosage and treatment period will depend on the type of infection being treated. Ensure that you let your doctor know of any medication that you are taking before you start taking metronidazole.
Bacterial infections:
• Typical dosage: take 500 mg to be taken four times a day.
• Maximum dosage: take 4 grams daily.
Amoebic infections:
• Typical dosage: take 750 mg 3 times a day for 5 to 10 days.
• Maximum dosage: take 4 g every day.
• Trichomoniasis, a parasitic sexually transmitted infection:
• Typical dosage: take 2 g a day, or 250 mg, three times a day for seven days.
• Maximum dosage: take 4 g every day.
Child's dosage (0–17 years of age)Amoebic infections:
• Typical dosage: give 35–50 mg/kg every day, in 3 separate doses for ten days.
• Maximum dosage: give 2,250 mg a day.
Trichomoniasis:
• Typical dosage: give 15 mg/kg every day, in 3 separate doses for one week (7days).
• Maximum dosage: give 1,000 mg daily.
Senior's dosage (aged 65 years and above)The kidneys of senior adults may not operate efficiently as before, and this can make the body to process medicines more slowly. Consequently, much of the drug remains in the body for a longer period leading to the increase of the risk of side effects.
Your physician can start you with a lower dose or a different drug schedule, and this can prevent too much drug buildup in your body.
Metronidazole cream
Metronidazole cream can be applied in the treatment of inflammation induced by rosacea (a skin disorder). It can also be utilized in other medical conditions as may be recommended by your physician.
Metronidazole cream is antibacterial and an antiprotozoal too. It acts by reducing inflammation.
Interactions
Avoid metronidazole cream if:
• You have an allergy with any of the ingredients in the metronidazole cream.
Several medical conditions can interact with MC. Let your physician or pharmacist know if any of the below points apply to you:
• If you are an expectant mother, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• If you are using any prescribed or non-prescribed medicines, herbal preparation, or diet supplement.
• If you are allergic to foods, medications, or other things.
• If you have previously had blood problems, which includes platelet levels or low white blood cells.
Pharmacist's Advice
If you stop using metronidazole abruptly, or if you do not take it at all, the infection may fail to improve, and can even get worse.
If you skip some doses or if you do not take the drug on time, your drug may also not work or may cease to work entirely.
Signs and symptoms of an overdose
You may have grievous levels of this drug in your body if you take more than what is recommended by your doctor. The signs and symptoms of metronidazole overdose include heightened side effects, such as the following:
• Headache
• Constipation
• Lack of appetite
• Heartburn
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Cramping in your abdomen especially in your stomach area
• Having a metallic taste in your mouth
Steps to take when you skip a dose
Take the dose immediately when you remember. Nevertheless, if you remember your dose only a few hours prior to your next one, take only one. Do not attempt to make up for the missed dose by taking both of them, because it can result in life-threatening side effects.
