Sometimes, doctors prescribe not only pills but also injections for certain infections, right? Metronidazole is a special antibiotic that is given intravenously to treat certain bacterial infections. So, if you have been given this injection, or if you are giving it to someone you know, today we will talk about the most important things you need to know about it.
Simply put, what is Metronidazole?
Metronidazole is a medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called antibiotics. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Many people are confused and think that it also works on viral infections. This is wrong. Metronidazole does not treat viral infections such as colds and flu. Therefore, you should only use this medicine if your doctor prescribes it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before giving you Metronidazole injection, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. This medicine can interact with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of these things, be sure to tell them about it.
- If you have a rare genetic condition like Cockayne syndrome .
- If you have a blood-related disease (for example, sickle cell anemia, anemia, leukemia).
- If you are a regular drinker , this is a very important point.
- If you have an irregular heartbeat.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease . Because if these organs are not working properly, the medicine will not be properly removed from the body.
- If you have yeast or other fungal infections .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to metronidazole, other medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your safety to tell the doctor without hiding these things.
How do you use this medicine?
Metronidazole is a medicine that is injected into a vein. It is usually given to you in a hospital or clinic. However, in some cases, you may need to take this medicine at home.
If you are given it at home, you will be taught how to prepare it and how to give it. It is important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed, at the right time, every day. Continue to take the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Very important: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
What if the dose is increased?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, don't panic. But don't take it lightly either. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with Metronidazole
When taking this medicine, it may interact with other medications you are taking, so it is very important to be aware of this.
| Reaction type | Medicines and substances |
|---|---|
| Absolutely Avoid Taking Metronidazole With These | |
| Alcohol | Alcohol or any product containing alcohol. (e.g. some preservative-free liquids, some cough syrups) |
| Other medications | Cisapride, Disulfiram, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine |
| Use with caution with this medicine. | |
| Various medications | Busulfan, Carbamazepine, blood thinners (e.g. warfarin), Cimetidine, estrogen or progestin hormones, Lithium, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, other drugs that affect the heart rate. |
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements), as well as if you smoke or drink alcohol .
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- See your doctor regularly: Stay in touch with your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or worsening.
- Special attention to alcohol:
- About birth control: If you are taking hormonal birth control pills (estrogen, progestin), the effectiveness of those pills may be reduced while taking Metronidazole. Therefore, it is safer to use another form of birth control, such as a condom, during this time. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, medications you take, and especially if you drink alcohol.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication and for a few days after stopping.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as severe skin rash, difficulty breathing, or confusion.
- Take the full dose of medicine prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking it halfway.
Do not drink alcohol or anything containing alcohol while taking metronidazole and for a few days after stopping the medication. The combination of the two can cause a severe reaction, including flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and excessive thirst.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Metronidazole can have side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Nervous system problems | Dizziness, difficulty walking, confusion, difficulty speaking, pain in the limbs, numbness. |
| Symptoms of Meningitis | Fever, neck pain or stiffness, difficulty looking at light, headache, nausea, vomiting. |
| Changes in heart rate | Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, blistering and peeling of the skin, severe diarrhea and fever, sudden eye pain or vision changes, unusual vaginal discharge or itching. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system | Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain. |
| Other | Feeling a metallic taste in the mouth. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
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