You may have been prescribed this medicine by your doctor. Doctors prescribe this medicine for a variety of conditions, such as stomach upset, tooth extraction, or vaginal infections caused by bacteria or parasites. Although many people in our country use it, few people know exactly what it is. So today, let's talk about what Metronidazole is and what precautions you should take when using it.
What kind of medicine is Metronidazole?
Simply put, Metronidazole is an antibiotic . Its main function is to kill certain bacteria and parasites that enter our bodies and cause diseases. It comes in the form of tablets or capsules.
The most important thing is that this medicine cannot cure diseases caused by viruses . That means it has no use for things like colds and flu. Therefore, never use this medicine without a doctor's recommendation.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Metronidazole for you, it is important to know your complete medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- If you are a regular drinker .
- If you have any liver or kidney disease.
- If you have a blood disorder, such as sickle cell anemia, anemia, or leukemia.
- If you have an irregular heartbeat.
- If you have a fungal infection like candida (yeast).
- If you have a rare genetic condition called Cockayne syndrome.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Metronidazole, other drugs in the nitroimidazole group, or any other medicine or food.
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Using a medicine correctly is very important for its results.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water .
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Most importantly: Take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it because you think you are feeling better. Doing so can cause the infection to return without being completely cured. Also, the bacteria may develop resistance to the medicine, making it ineffective later on.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (e.g., within 1-2 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is prescribed for you only . Never give your medicine to anyone else, even if they think they have the same illness as you.
What other things can interact with Metronidazole?
When taking metronidazole, it may interact with other medications you are taking. This may increase side effects or change how the medication works.
| Conflict type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Things you should never take with Metronidazole |
|
| Other drugs that may interact with Metronidazole |
|
Special warning about alcohol:
Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking Metronidazole and for at least 3 days after stopping the medication. Otherwise, a very unpleasant reaction (Disulfiram-like reaction) may occur. In this case,
- Redness of the face
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Increased chest tightness
Severe symptoms may occur.
Side effects that may occur when taking medication
Like any medicine, Metronidazole can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Nervous system problems | Dizziness, difficulty walking, difficulty speaking, numbness or pain in the limbs, seizures. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Severe skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe abdominal pain, fever, neck pain, vision changes. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Metallic taste in the mouth | This is a very common side effect and goes away after stopping the medication. |
| Digestive system problems | Mild stomach pain, nausea, and bloating. |
A few other important points
- If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), avoid having sex until treatment is complete. Your partner may also need treatment.
- Birth control pills may be less effective while taking this medicine. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control (e.g. condoms).
- If your symptoms do not improve or worsen despite using the medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
- Store the medicine in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children and pets, away from light .
Take-Home Message
- Complete the entire course of medication prescribed by the doctor without fail. Do not stop halfway just because the pain has subsided.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking metronidazole and for 3 days after stopping.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- If a severe side effect occurs (skin blisters, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
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