Metronidazole Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions & Warnings

Metronidazole is a prescription medication that can be used to treat multiple bacterial infections, as well as help heal side effects of trichomoniasis, a bacterial infection. It is sold as a generic drug and under the brand name products Flagyl and MetroCream, among others. Read on to learn more about the uses, side effects, brand names, warnings, dosage, and interactions of metronidazole.

About Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections. It is available as the brand name medication Flagyl, among many others. Metronidazol can also be used to treat trichomoniasis.

What Is Metronidazole Used For?

Metronidazole is used to treat a number of bacterial infections including those which affect the stomach, liver, skin, joints, brain, and spinal cord. It can also be used to treat trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease.

Metronidazole Pronunciation

To pronounce metronidazole, sound out the following syllables:

Meh truh nai duh zowl

Metronidazole Brand Names

Metronidazole is available as the following brand name drugs:

Flagyl
MetroCream
MetroGel
Noritate
Vandazole

How Does Metronidazole Work?

Metronidazole works by preventing the growth of bacteria and parasites affecting a number of areas of the body. It inhibits protein synthesis in bacteria by interacting with DNA and corroding the DNA’s helical structure.

Metronidazole Side Effects

Metronidazole does have some associated side effects, some of which are more serious and less common than others.

Common Side Effects

The common side effects of metronidazole include the following:

Back pain
Eye pain
Drowsiness
Depression
Dizziness
Nausea
Shaking
Decreased vision
Changes in speech pattern
Headache
Stiff neck
Irritability
Lack of coordination
Trouble speaking

If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If they do not, contact a medical professional immediately.

Serious Side Effects

Some side effects of metronidazole are more serious and may require medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Call 911 if you think your side effects are life-threatening.

Blood in the urine
Black, tarry stools
Feeling of pelvic pressure
Seizures
Loss of voice
Nasal congestion
Dark urine
Bleeding gums
Yellowing eyes or skin
Painful or difficult urination
Bloody urine

Disclaimer: At ManifestRX our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Unfortunately, because drugs affect each individual differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects.

Can Metronidazole Cause Yeast Infections?

About 10% of women who take metronidazole report yeast infection as a significant side effect. This may be caused by the bacteria-killing effect of the medication which may kill vaginal bacteria that helps prevent yeast infection.

How To Take Metronidazole

Swallow metronidazole tablets with water or other liquids. It is recommended to take metronidazole after a meal or snack. Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole or for 48 hours after your first dose. Keep taking metronidazole until you are finished with your prescription.

Dosage Of Metronidazole

Your dosage of metronidazole may depend on the following factors:

Your age
Your weight
Severity of condition
Other medications you are taking

Metronidazole Dosage For Bacterial Infection

Adult: Dose is based on body weight and should be determined by a doctor. Usual dose is 7.5mg per kg of body weight every 6 hours for 7-10 days.

Metronidazole Dosage For Trichomoniasis Infection

Adult: Metronidazole tablet can be taken 3 different ways: as a single dose of 2 grams, as 1 gram 2 times a day for 1 day, or as 250 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day for 7 days. The capsule dose is 375 mg 2 times a day for 7 days.

Dosage For Bacterial Vaginosis

Adult: 750mg once a day for 7 days.

Metronidazole Interactions

Do not take metronidazole if you are also taking disulfiram or if you have taken it within the last two weeks.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, resulting in false positives. Make sure lab personnel and lab doctors know

Metronidazole And Alcohol

You should not consume alcohol while taking metronidazole. Mixing metronidazole and alcohol can result in the following negative side effects:

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Fast heart beat

- Flushing of the face

Metronidazole Warnings

Talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of the following side effects. These side effects can imply a more severe reaction to metronidazole.

Tenderness in upper stomach
Painful stools
Dark urine
Blood in stool
Vomiting
Loss of appetite

Metronidazole can cause dry mouth, an unpleasant metallic taste, or a change in taste sensation. If your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks after your initial dose of metronidazole, consult with your doctor.

Metronidazole can cause serious skin conditions. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects on your skin: