Sometimes, a doctor prescribes a syrup called 'Metronidazole' for you or your baby, right? This medicine is often given, especially for stomach upset, diarrhea, or other bacterial infections. So many people have little questions about this medicine. "How exactly do you give this?", "What should I not eat?", "Are there any side effects?" They think things like that. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Metronidazole simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Metronidazole?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic, that is, a type of antibiotic . But it does not work against all germs. There are several main types of germs that enter our bodies. Simply put, this medicine only kills two types of germs : bacteria and parasites .
A mistake that many people make is to ask for antibiotics like this for a common cold, fever, or cough. Remember, most illnesses like the common cold are caused by viruses. Metronidazole has no ability to kill viruses. Therefore, use this medicine only if prescribed by a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Metronidazole, it is important to know your complete medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health status | Description |
|---|---|
| Liver or kidney disease | If you have any liver or kidney disease. |
| Alcohol use | If you are a frequent drinker. (This is very important) |
| Blood-related diseases | If you have a history of blood-related diseases such as anemia or leukemia. |
| Heart disease | If you have heart rhythm irregularities or other heart diseases. |
| Rare disease conditions | If you have rare genetic diseases such as Cockayne syndrome. |
| Pregnancy/breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to Metronidazole or other similar medications, foods, or other substances. |
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.
- Shake well: Since this is a syrup, particles of the medicine may settle at the bottom of the bottle. So always shake the bottle well before using.
- Correct measurement: Measure the exact amount your doctor prescribes. Use only the milliliter cup, oral syringe, or dropper provided with the medicine. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons at home, as they are not accurate.
- Complete the course: This is the most important thing. Even if you feel better after a couple of days, you should take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Otherwise, the remaining strong germs in the body may become stronger and the disease may reappear. Also, those germs may become resistant to this medicine over time.
- If you miss a dose: 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.
- Overdose: If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose of medicine, it can be dangerous. If this happens, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other things that interact with Metronidazole
Metronidazole is a medication that can react severely with some other medications, especially alcohol.
Special attention to alcohol!
Do not consume any alcohol while taking this medicine. Even other products containing alcohol (some cakes, chocolates) are not recommended. If you take this medicine with alcohol, a very unpleasant reaction (Disulfiram-like reaction) may occur. This means:
- Redness of the face
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Sweating
This reaction can last for hours, so stay away from alcohol completely for at least 3 days after finishing the course of medication.
Other medications
It is very important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
| Drugs that should never be taken with Metronidazole | |
|---|---|
| Disulfiram | Cisapride |
| Dronedarone | Pimozide |
| Drugs that should be taken with caution with Metronidazole | |
| Warfarin (blood thinner) | Lithium (a medication for mental illness) |
| Busulfan, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin | Birth control pills |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or even traditional medicines you are taking.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like all medications, Metronidazole has some potential for side effects. While most of these are minor, we should be aware of some serious symptoms.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Nervous system problems | Dizziness, difficulty walking, difficulty speaking, numbness in the limbs, seizures. |
| Skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine. |
| Other | Severe diarrhea with fever, neck pain and stiffness, and vision changes. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Metallic taste in the mouth | (This is a very common side effect) |
| Digestive system problems | Mild diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain. |
Take-Home Message
- Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections. It is not suitable for viral infections such as the common cold.
- Take the full dose of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full number of days prescribed. Do not stop taking the medication even if your symptoms improve.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication and for 3 days after stopping it.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
- If you experience any severe side effects such as skin blisters, difficulty breathing, or seizures, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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