You or your baby may have been prescribed a medicine called Metronidazole syrup by your doctor. This medicine is often given for stomach upset, diarrhea, or other bacterial or parasitic infections. But this is not just any syrup. There are a few things we need to be very careful about when using it. So today, let's talk about this Metronidazole medicine, how to use it, what to be careful about, and what side effects it may cause.
Simply put, what is Metronidazole?
Metronidazole is a drug that belongs to the antibiotic class. It mainly works by destroying harmful bacteria and some parasites that enter our bodies. Imagine that you have a stomach ache due to a parasite like amoeba. In such a case, this drug suppresses those parasites.
But this is something to keep in mind. This medicine only works on bacteria and parasites. It has no effect on viral infections, for example, the common cold or flu. Therefore, never use this type of medicine without the advice of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor knows your complete medical history before prescribing this medicine. This is because some people with certain medical conditions need to be given this medicine with caution. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Allergic conditions: If you have previously had an allergy to Metronidazole, another similar medicine, food, or dye.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Kidney disease: If there is any weakness in the functioning of the kidneys.
- Blood-related diseases: If you have a history of blood-related diseases, for example, conditions like sickle cell anemia, anemia, or leukemia.
- Yeast or fungal infection: If you currently have a fungal infection anywhere on your body.
- Cockayne syndrome: This is a very rare genetic condition. If you or someone in your family has this condition, you should tell them.
- Alcohol use: If you are a regular drinker, be sure to mention it. We will discuss the reasons later.
- Pregnancy or expecting a child:If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it is essential to say so.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor about this as well.
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor without hiding these things.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the best results from a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
1. Shake well: Always shake the syrup bottle well before using it, as particles of the medicine may settle to the bottom of the bottle.
2. Take the correct dose: Take only the amount prescribed by your doctor, at the correct time. Use only the special spoon, cup, or oral syringe that comes with the medicine bottle marked in milliliters (ml). Measuring with household teaspoons or table spoons can cause the dose to fluctuate. So, do not use them.
3. Complete the course: This is a mistake that many people make. Some people stop taking the medicine when their symptoms improve after two or three days. Don't do that. The doctor has prescribed the medicine for how many days, and you should take the medicine for the full number of days. If you don't, the remaining germs in the body can become stronger again and the disease can occur again. Not only that, but the germs can also become resistant to the medicine later.
4. When giving this medicine to children: When giving this medicine to children, be very careful about the dosage prescribed by the doctor. The dosage is determined according to the child's weight.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Metronidazole is a medication that can interact with other medications, especially alcohol, so it's important to be aware of this.
| Substance / drug type | Description and risk |
|---|---|
| Avoid Completely! | |
| Alcohol | This is the most important thing. Do not drink alcohol or anything containing alcohol while taking Metronidazole and for 3 days after stopping the medication. Doing so may cause a very unpleasant reaction (disulfiram-like reaction) such as headache, nausea, vomiting, flushing, sweating, and excessive thirst. |
| Disulfiram | A drug given to those addicted to alcohol. Taking the two together can cause mental confusion. |
| Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine | These medications can cause heart rhythm abnormalities when taken with Metronidazole. |
| If you are taking these, tell your doctor. | |
| Anticoagulant | For example, medications like Warfarin. Metronidazole may increase the effectiveness of these medications, increasing the risk of bleeding. |
| Birth control pills | This medicine may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills containing estrogen or progestin hormones. Therefore, it is advisable to use another form of birth control, such as a condom, while taking this medicine. |
| Other medications | Medicines like Busulfan, Carbamazepine, Cimetidine, Lithium, Phenobarbital, and Phenytoin can also interact with this. |
The simplest thing is to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) .
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Metronidazole can cause side effects in some people, although not everybody gets them. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Nervous system problems | Dizziness, loss of balance, seizures, difficulty speaking, numbness or pain in the limbs. |
| Symptoms of Meningitis | Severe headache, fever, stiff neck, difficulty looking at light, nausea, vomiting. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, and tarry stools. |
| Severe skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| It's normal, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Metallic taste in the mouth | This is a common condition that many people experience. It goes away when the medication is stopped. |
| Nausea/stomach pain | This condition can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Diarrhea | Moderate diarrhea may occur, but if severe diarrhea is accompanied by fever, seek medical advice immediately. |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Storage: Store the medicine bottle at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat and cold (do not freeze). Keep out of reach of children and pets . Discard any remaining medicine 60 days after opening the bottle.
- Disposal: Don't just throw unused or expired medications in the trash. Some pharmacies have programs to accept unwanted medications. Alternatively, mix the medication with something like coffee grounds or soil, put it in a tightly sealed bag, and throw it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Complete the course: Even if you feel better, take the entire course of medication for the number of days prescribed by your doctor.
- Say 'no' to alcohol: Avoid alcohol completely while taking Metronidazole and for 3 days after stopping. This is very important.
- Tell your doctor everything: Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Watch out for risk symptoms: If you experience serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions or nervous system problems, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is just for you:Do not give the medicine prescribed to you to someone else, even if they have the same illness as you.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment