Metronidazole
Brand Names
Flagyl, Protostat, Metryl, MetroCream, MetroGel, MetroLotion, Noritate, Vandazole
What is Metronidazole
Metronidazole is an antibiotic medicine used to relieve a variety of different infections. It is also effective for people affected by parasites and anaerobic bacteria. Metronidazole is available as tablets, lotions and creams.
Side effects of Metronidazole
Metronidazole commonly cause no serious side effects, but sometimes you may experience headaches, nausea, increased skin redness, dryness, burning or metallic taste in the mouth. In this case contact your dictor. After using vaginal cream if you suffer from stomach pain or fever, inform your doctor immediately.
Indication
Metronidazole is made to treat bacterial infections of the skin, joints, respiratory tract and vagina. It is also helpful to prevent acne rosacea (adult acne) and infections that come from parasites and anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that can live without oxygen)
Precautions
If you are going to take this medication, inform your doctor of the following cases:
- allergic to metronidazole
- central nervous system disease
- liver or blood disease
- Crohn's disease
- if you take anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin) and vitamins
- if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding
- keep away from prolonged contact to sunlight on cured skin zones
Dosage forms
The amount of metronidazole will depend on several facts, such as type and severity of your infection, your tolerance to antibiotic, other medications that you take, your age and weight and other health conditions of yours. Metronidazole should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Tablets are usually recommended to take it on empty stomach, 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after. Do not crush or chew a tablet, swallow it all. If you use gel, lotion or cream, wash the treated skin area with soap about 15-20 minutes before applying the medication. Spread a thin layer of gel and rub it softly into the affected zone. Avoid the gel from getting into your eyes.
