Metronidazole: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Antibiotics are not a strange name to everyone. Antibiotics appear in the treatment indications of many diseases from simple to complex. There are different types of antibiotics and metronidazole is one of them.

1. What is metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used in the treatment of many types of infections that work by stopping the growth of certain bacteria and parasites.

2. What is the effect of metronidazole?

Metronidazole is indicated in the treatment of some bacterial and parasitic infections, so it will not be effective for viral infections (colds, flu). Overusing any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause antibiotic resistance in the future.
In addition, Metronidazole can also be combined with other drugs to treat stomach/intestinal ulcers caused by H.pylori bacteria.

3. Instructions for using the drug Metronidazole

Metronidazole tablets to be taken orally as directed by your doctor. To prevent stomach upset, take the medicine with food or a full glass of water/milk. The dose will be calculated by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
For the best effect, patients should take antibiotics at evenly spaced times, to make it easier to remember, take Metronidazole at the same time each day and take it until the prescribed amount is exhausted, including even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too soon can cause the infection to return.

4. Side effects of the drug Metronidazole

Possible side effects when taking Metronidazole
Dizziness; Headache; Stomach upset; Nausea/vomiting; Anorexia; Diarrhea; Constipation; Has a metallic taste in the mouth; This medicine can make your urine darker, this effect is harmless and goes away when the medicine is stopped. Serious side effects that should be reported immediately to the treating physician include:
New signs of infection (sore throat that does not go away, fever); Easy bruising/bleeding; Stomach pain, abdominal pain; Painful urination. Get medical help right away if any very serious side effects occur including:
Unsteadiness; Convulsions; Mental/mood changes (such as confusion); Hard to talk; Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs; Eyesore; Sudden vision changes; Severe headache; Stiff neck pain. Long-term or repeated use of the medication can lead to oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
Very serious allergic reactions are very rare, patients should seek medical help immediately if they notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including: rash, itching, swelling (face, tongue, throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

5. Measures to prevent side effects of metronidazole

Before prescribing metronidazole, the doctor or pharmacist should know the history of allergy to this drug or other antibiotics of the same class. In addition, previous allergies should be reported to the doctor.
Some medical history such as liver disease, kidney disease, blood clotting disorder should be taken into account when treating with metronidazole.
A rare genetic disorder called Cockayne syndrome increases the risk of very serious liver problems with metronidazole use . Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits. If you are taking metronidazole, you should check your liver function regularly. If any signs of liver disease occur during treatment, notify your healthcare provider immediately (such as nausea, persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, severe stomach or abdominal pain, yellow eyes, jaundice). , dark urine).
Avoid alcoholic beverages and products containing propylene glycol while taking and for at least 3 days after completing treatment with metronidazole. Because disorders such as abdominal discomfort, cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing may occur.
The drug metronidazole has a side effect of dizziness. Substances such as alcohol or marijuana will aggravate the condition. Therefore, do not drive, use machines or do work that requires alertness.
Metronidazole affects some vaccines made from live bacteria (such as typhoid vaccine) not working. Therefore, do not get vaccinated while taking this antibiotic unless specifically directed by your doctor.
Pregnant women only use metronidazole when absolutely necessary. Metronidazole has the potential to pass into breast milk, so talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before breast-feeding. If this medicine is prescribed by your doctor, your doctor may instruct you to stop breastfeeding for a short time while you are taking metronidazole.

6. Metronidazole drug interactions

Drug interactions that change the effects or increase the risk of serious side effects of metronidazole . Talk to your doctor with a list of all medications you're taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products). Do not suddenly start, stop or change the dose of metronidazole without consulting your doctor.
Products that interact with metronidazole:
Alcohol products (cough and cold syrup, shaving cream); The product contains propylene glycol; Lopinavir, ritonavir, lithium solution; Do not take metronidazole if you have been taking disulfiram within the past 2 weeks.
The drug metronidazole can falsify the results of some tests. Therefore, make sure that laboratory staff and doctors know you are using this medicine.
If you overdose and have serious symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately for prompt treatment. Symptoms of metronidazole overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of balance.
If you are taking metronidazole to treat a genital infection (such as trichomoniasis), all sexual partners should be treated similarly to avoid reinfection. During treatment, limit sex or practice safe sex such as using condoms.
Laboratory tests (such as a complete blood count) should be ordered regularly during metronidazole treatment.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, do not double the dose to catch up.
Metronidazole should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Keep medicine out of reach of children and pets.
The abuse or misuse of metronidazole all leave dangerous complications and unwanted side effects. Therefore, to prevent unwanted complications, especially to limit the risk of extremely dangerous antibiotic resistance, you need to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using. .

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Reference source: webmd.com