Metronidazole

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Metronidazole - What is it for

Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It is meant to eradicate bacteria that may cause infection in the genitourinary tract and other areas.

Metronidazole - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Metronidazole cause?

Unpleasant taste in the mouth. Chew gum or snack mints.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea. If stomach discomfort occurs, take the medication with food. If side effects persist, contact your doctor.
Darkening of the urine. This side effect is harmless.
Furry tongue. Contact your doctor.

Before taking Metronidazole, what precautions must I follow?

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Metronidazole?

Metronidazole - Dosage and How to Use

How should Metronidazole be used?

Your doctor has determined how often you should take this medication. To be effective, doses of metronidazole should be taken at intervals as far apart as possible and evenly spaced. For example, if your doctor tells you to take it three times a day, it is best to take one dose every eight hours.

Metronidazole comes in tablets that are to be swallowed, or in pessaries that are to be inserted into the vagina.

Tablets may be taken with meals or a light snack.
Pessaries are to be inserted into the vagina.

Be sure to take all of the doses that your doctor prescribed for you. Do not stop taking the drug even though symptoms of the infection disappear.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

What should I do if I overdose?

Metronidazole - Handling and Storage

How should I handle Metronidazole safely?

How should I store Metronidazole?

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;# Store in the container it came in.

How should I dispose of Metronidazole safely?

Metronidazole - Additional Information

It is advised not to drink alcohol while taking Metronidazole and for 2 - 3 days after finishing the course of tablets, as this may cause unpleasant side effects such as feeling sick, stomach pain, hot flushes, palpitations and headache.

Metronidazole in the form of an oral tablet is not to be used in the first trimester (3 months) of pregnancy. If you are unsure of your pregnancy status or get pregnant while on the medication, inform your doctor.