Metronidazole pills and capsules are used to treat infections of the neurological system, GI tract, lungs, skin, heart, bones, and joints, as well as conditions of the reproductive system. Additionally, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are treated using metronidazole uses pills and capsules. Female patients with bacterial vaginosis—an illness brought on by an overabundance of certain dangerous bacteria in the vagina—are treated with metronidazole uses extended-release (long-acting) tablets. The drug metronidazole uses belongs to the group of drugs known as nitroimidazole antimicrobials. It acts by preventing bacterial development.
Colds, the flu, and other viral diseases cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotic overuse raises the likelihood that you’ll get an illness later on that is resistant to antibiotic therapy.
How Is This Medication To Be Taken?
Metronidazole uses has three oral dosage forms: tablets, tablets with a prolonged release, and capsules. Metronidazole pills and capsules are often given twice daily for up to 10 days or more or as a single dosage (or two doses on the same day). For seven days, metronidazole extended-release pills should be taken once daily, ideally at least an hour before or two hours after a meal. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify any instructions on your prescription label you are unsure about following. Follow the medication’s directions precisely. Never take it in more significant or smaller amounts or more often than directed by your doctor.
Do not split, chew, or crush the extended-release pills; swallow them whole.
Even if you feel better, keep taking this medicine. Without first consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking it. If you stop taking this drug too soon or miss doses, your illness cannot completely heal, and the bacteria might develop antibiotic resistance.
Other Uses For This Drug
For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in women, metronidazole uses pills are utilized.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further details if you believe this drug should be used for anything else.
What Specific Safety Measures Should I Take?
Prior To Ingesting Metronidazole Uses
If you have an allergy to metronidazole, secnidazole (Solosec), tinidazole (Tindamax), any other drugs, or any of the chemicals in preparations for taking metronidazole uses, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
If you use or have used disulfiram (Antabuse), let your doctor know. If you are now taking disulfiram or have recently taken it, your doctor may advise against using metronidazole uses.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal items, and nutritional supplements you are now taking or intend to take. Incorporate any of the following: Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), busulfan (Busulfex, Myleran), cimetidine (Tagamet HB), lithium (Lithobid), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) are anticoagulants (sometimes known as “blood thinners”).
Inform your doctor if you have Crohn’s disease, blood, kidney, or liver illness now or previously had any of these conditions.
Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, want to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you get pregnant while taking metronidazole. Pregnant women should typically not use metronidazole during the first trimester (the first three months of pregnancy).
While taking this medicine and for at least three days following your last dosage, refrain from consuming alcoholic drinks or items containing alcohol or propylene glycol. When used with metronidazole, alcohol, and propylene glycol may result in nausea, vomiting, cramps, headache, perspiration, and flushing (redness of the face).
How Should I Proceed If I Forget To Take A Dose?
If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If the next dosage is due, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing plan. Do not take a second one to make up for a missing dosage.
What Adverse Effects May This Medicine Have?
There may be negative consequences from metronidazole. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right away:
- vomiting
- nausea
- diarrhea
- constipation
- uneasy stomach
- stomach pain
- reduced appetite
- headache
- mouth ache
- harsh, unpleasant metallic flavor
- hairy tongue; mouth or tongue inflammation
Some adverse effects may be harmful. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
- tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet or hands
- seizures
- rash
- itching
- hives
- blistered or flaking skin
- flushing
- fever, sore throat, stuffy nose, or other infection-related symptoms
- joints hurt
- dizziness
- having trouble speaking
- difficulty coordinating
- confusion
- agitation
Other adverse effects of metronidazole are possible. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any strange issues while taking this medicine.
What Should I Be Aware Of About The Handling And Disposing Of This Medication?
Keep this medicine securely closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it out of the bathroom at room temperature and away from light, excessive heat, and moisture.
As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medicine up and away from small children where it is out of sight and reach to prevent poisoning.