Metronidazole tablets

Metronidazole vaginal gel   is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections like bacterial vaginosis. This antibiotic works by inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and parasites.

Antibiotics are only used against bacterial infections. They do not work for viral infections like flu or common cold. Taking them unnecessarily can promote antibiotic resistance, which means they will not work in the future when needed. Metronidazole is also an anti-protozoal medication. It can be used to treat certain protozoal infections like amoebic dysentery.

Metronidazole belongs to a class of drugs called nitro imidazole antimicrobials. These drugs are used against anaerobic bacteria, for example clostridium difficile. They simply stop the growth of bacteria and prevent further infection. Nitro imidazole antimicrobials are used to treat trichomoniasis, giardiasis, amebiasis, and bacterial vaginosis, inflammatory lesions of rosacea, and bacterial infections, as well as prevent postoperative infections.

Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It should prescribed and administered very carefully to avoid antibiotic/bacterial resistance. It is important that you complete a full course of this medication. Your doctor will tell you the length of your antibiotic course according to your requirements and the illness being treated.

• Take this tablet orally; swallow the whole tablet with water.
• This medicine should be taken during or right after a meal.
• Do not chew or crush the tablets, as it will increase the risks of side effects.
• Do not stop taking your medication in the middle of the course even if you feel better.

For Adults

The initial dose for treating bacterial and protozoal infections in adults is 800 mg. 8 hours after taking the initial dose, a 400 mg dose is taken and this dose is repeated after every eight hours.

For Children

You doctor will adjust the dosage depending on your child’s weight. This prescribed dose is repeated after every eight hours. In children younger than 8 weeks, the doctor usually prescribes a single dose daily or two doses a day, which are given after every 12 hours.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics like Metronidazole have many benefits. They treat a variety of bacterial infections and are easily available anywhere. Some benefits of taking Metronidazole are:

• It slows down the growth of bacteria and certain parasites and prevents infections from spreading further.
• It can be used before surgery to prevent any post-operative infections.
• Antibiotics like Metronidazole are fast acting, but it may take a day or two for you to feel better.

Before Taking Metronidazole

• Make sure you are not allergic or intolerant to metronidazole or any other ingredient present in these tablets.
• Check with your doctor if you have liver problems, any disease of the nervous system or if you are currently on dialysis.
• If you are taking or plan to take any prescription or non-prescription drugs, make sure your doctor knows about it.
• Make your doctor aware if you are expecting a child, have plans to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. It is better not to take Metronidazole in pregnancy unless it is necessary.

While Taking Metronidazole

• Take your tablets everyday regularly on time, as instructed by your physician.
• Do not stop taking your medications even if you feel better. If you stop taking it abruptly, your symptoms may return.
• Metronidazole tablets can make you sleepy and drowsy so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Avoid alcohol as it may add to the drowsiness.
• If you mistakenly skip a dose, take that missed dose as soon as you remember unless the time for next scheduled dose is too close. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one on due time.
• Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Like any other medicine, Metronidazole also has its side effects but not everyone gets them.

Some common side effects of Metronidazole are nausea, abdominal cramps, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, weight loss (anorexia), dizziness, dry mouth, dark-colored urine, or a metallic taste in the mouth or changes in taste.

Some rare side effects of this drug include fever, pain with urination, mouth sores, tingling or pricking sensations that may become permanent, seizures, unsteadiness and mood changes. Call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately if your side effects do not go away.

Metronidazole can be used to treat the following:

• Brain, blood, bones, lungs, pelvic area, genital tract, intestine, or stomach infections
• Gum ulcers and other dental infections
• Infected leg ulcers and pressure sores
• Infections after surgery