Metronidazole

Generic name: Metronidazole

Drug class: Amebicides, Miscellaneous antibiotics

Dosage forms: Intravenous solution, Capsule, Tablet, extended-release tablet, Suspension

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 250, 375, 500, 750 mg, 500 mg/100 ml

Mechanism of action: Metronidazole is an antibiotic that may be used to treat certain infections of the vagina, stomach, liver, skin, joints, brain and spinal cord, lungs, heart, or bloodstream.

Drug usage cases: Metronidazole has been approved to treat: Symptomatic trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection) in adults that has been confirmed by culture or wet smear test. Asymptomatic trichomoniasis in females when associated with cervical changes, and in asymptomatic sexual partners. Amebiasis (an infection caused by a parasite) in adults and children. Anaerobic bacterial infections (infections caused by bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive).

Drug contra indications: You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to metronidazole, secnidazole, or tinidazole, or if you:

drank alcohol in the past 3 days, consumed foods or medicines that contain propylene glycol in the past 3 days or, took disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 14 days, have Cockayne Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder that affects growth and development). Before taking metronidazole, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

liver disease, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), a heart rhythm disorder, a stomach or intestinal disease such as Crohn’s disease, a blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or low white blood cell (WBC) counts, medical problems that affect the brain or a nerve disorder, a yeast infection or a fungal infection anywhere in your body, a history of blood problems

or take any medications, especially warfarin, lithium, busulfan, cimetidine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital.

side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to metronidazole (hives, itching, warmth, or tingling; fever, joint pain; dry mouth, dry vagina; stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). Metronidazole may cause serious side effects including: Nervous system problems, including brain disorder (encephalopathy), inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes (aseptic meningitis), numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy), and seizures (convulsions). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any nervous system problems while taking metronidazole, Worsening yeast infection (candidiasis) symptoms in people with a known yeast infection or a yeast infection they were not aware of, Low white blood cell count (leukopenia) in people with a history of blood problems. This can affect how well the body fights infection.

Warnings: To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria, do not use metronidazole to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Metronidazole has been shown to be carcinogenic in rats and mice and unnecessary use should be avoided. Do not use metronidazole if you recently drank alcohol, or have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 2 weeks. Do not drink alcohol or consume foods or medicines that contain propylene glycol while you are taking metronidazole and for at least 3 days after you stop taking it. Seizures and other nervous system abnormalities have been reported in patients treated with metronidazole. You should stop using this medicine immediately if you experience any neurological symptoms such as seizures, headaches, visual changes, weakness, numbness, or tingling.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. The use of metronidazole during pregnancy has been well-studied and a review of 17 studies found that treating bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis with metronidazole reduced the risk of preterm birth and was effective and offered no teratogen risk. Conversely, isolated studies have suggested its use may result in low birth weight or preterm delivery. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking metronidazole during pregnancy. Some product labels for metronidazole say it is contraindicated during the first trimester. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Metronidazole can pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while taking metronidazole. If you are breastfeeding, you may consider pumping and throwing away your breast milk during treatment with metronidazole and for 48 hours after your last dose and feeding your infant stored human milk or formula.