| |
|
|
|
 |
| METRONIDAZOLE |
| |
| What
is METRONIDAZOLE? |
| |
|
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is used in the treatment of a wide range of infections. It is mostly used to treat gastrointestinal (including parasitic) infections, genital and gynecological infections, visceral abscess, dental and skin infections. Metronidazole is also prescribed to treat Helicobacter Pylori, which causes gastric ulcers. There are some other indications for which metronidazole is prescribed by docotrs.
Metronidazole is produced as regular tablets, vaginal tablets, oral suspension, infusion, topical gel and vaginal gel. |
|
|
 |
| |
| How
should I use METRONIDAZOLE? |
| |
|
Metronidazole is not an over-the-counter drug, and depending on your condition your doctor will prescribe a particular dosage of the medication. Take metronidazole exactly as directed by your doctor, and do NOT change the dosage on your own. You should also read the directions on the drug leaflet carefully.
Do not stop taking metronidazole without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. If you don’t finish the prescribed amount, your infection may recur even worse. |
|
|
|
| |
| Contraindications |
| |
|
Metronidazole should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy. |
|
|
|
| |
| If
you miss a dose! |
| |
|
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. But if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. |
|
|
|
| |
| Dietary
instructions |
| |
|
As metronidazole may cause upset stomach, take tablets with food or just after food. |
|
|
|
| |
| Special
Precautions & Warnings |
| |
|
Tell your doctor if:
• You are allergic to metronidazole or any other drug.
• You are taking any medications, prescription or non-prescription, specially other antibiotics, anticoagulants like warfarin, astemizole, lithium, phenobarbital, phenytoin and vitamins.
• You have or have had liver or kidney disease, any gastrointestinal disorders specially Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and blood disorders.
• You often drink alcohol. |
|
|
|
| |
| Side
Effects |
| |
|
Metronidazole does not usually cause serious unwanted effects. If the below symptoms persist or get worse, talk to your doctor:
Headache, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, dry mouth, metallic taste, loss of appetite, diarrhea, tongue irritation, dark or reddish-brown urine and numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
But in case you have any of the following signs or symptoms, stop taking the drug and see your doctor right away:
Fever, rash, itching, stuffy nose, joint pain and a superimposed fungal infection ,say, white lesions of mouth or tongue and vaginal infection. |
|
|
|
| |
| Storage |
| |
|
Keep metronidazole in its container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store tablets at room temperature, away from direct light, excess heat and moisture. Keep suspension in the fridge, but do not freeze it and don’t keep the suspension more than 7 days. Shake the suspension before each use thoroughly. Throw away medications that are outdated or no longer needed. |
|
|
|
| |
| Emergency/Overdose |
| |
|
In case of overdose, seek help at the nearest emergency centre. |
|
|
|
| |
| Drug
interactions |
| |
|
Taking alcohol with metronidazole can cause headaches, severe upset stomach, vomiting, sweating and flushing. Do not drink alcohol while taking the drug and 48 hours after you have finished the course of treatment.
• Cimetidine can decrease the metabolism of metronidazole and thus increase its effects.
• Phenobarbital may increase the metabolism of metronidazole and thus decrease its effects.
• Metronidazole can increase the anticoagulation effect of warfarin.
• Metronidazole can decrease the metabolism of phenytoin and thus increase its effects.
• Taking metronidazole with disulfiram is seriously dangerous and can result in severe neurologic or psychiatric outcomes. |
|
|
|
| |
| Children,
pregnant women & nursing mothers |
| |
|
• Metronidazole can be used in children with a doctor’s prescription.
• Metronidazole should NOT be taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Metronidazole is excreted in breast milk and taking this drug is not recommended while feeding. |
|
|
|
| |
| More
information |
| |
|
• Metronidazole along with other antibiotics is not helpful in viral infections such as colds and the flu.
• Try to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and wear proper clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen while taking this drug. Metronidazole may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• Metronidazole makes you drowsy, so do not drive a car or operate a machinary until you know how much it affects you.
• If you still have symptoms after finishing your course of treatment, inform your doctor.
• Don’t forget to wash your hands after touching the topical and vaginal forms of the drug.
• If your wife is treated for vaginal infection and is taking vaginal forms of the drug, it’s better to abstain from intercourse or to use condom during treatment. In addition, in these cases partners are usually treated together. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
