Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat various infections caused by bacteria and parasites. This medication is available as a tablet, suspension, capsule as well as powder for suspension. 

Metronidazole Tablet Uses 

Metronidazole is used to treat a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infections. These infections can affect any part of the body. It is used for the treatment of bacterial infections of the stomach, intestine, skin, joints, respiratory tract, and gynecological infections. It is also used to treat parasitic infections such as Giardiasis, Amoebiasis, and Trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection). Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria can also be treated with the help of this medication. 
Metronidazole is also used to treat peptic ulcers that are caused by H. pylori and in some cases it is also used to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

Metronidazole Tablet Working 

The Metronidazole is a part of a class of drugs called Nitroimidazole Antimicrobials. These groups of medications work in a similar manner and are often used to treat similar conditions. Nitroimidazole antimicrobials treat infections caused by bacteria and other organisms called Protozoa. This medication works by killing bacteria or other organisms that are causing the infection. The death of the infection-causing bacteria results in the end of the infection. 

Metronidazole Tablet Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of metronidazole are as follows – 

• Nausea, vomiting, and metallic taste in the mouth.
• Constipation and Diarrhea.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Dark-colored urine which is a harmless side effect and is not an indication of a serious health condition.
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, and swelling.

Metronidazole Tablet Dosage and Forms

Tablets or capsules can usually be taken with or after food to avoid an upset stomach. IV infusion is used in severe infections. For bacterial skin infections topical gels or creams are used for bacterial skin infections. 

There are some generic guidelines with regard to the dosage of this medication. These have been listed in the table – 

Infection	Adults: 400–500 mg every 8 hours for 7–10 days.Children: 7.5 mg/kg every 8 hours for 7–10 days. Severe infections may require IV administration (500 mg every 8 hours)
Bacterial Infections (Anaerobic Bacteria)	Adults: Mild to moderate: 400–800 mg three times a day for 5–10 days.Severe or liver abscess: 800 mg three times a day for 5–10 days.Children: 30–50 mg/kg per day, divided into 3 doses, for 7–10 days
Amoebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery/Liver Abscess)	Adults (both partners should be treated): Single dose: 2 g once.Alternative: 400–500 mg twice daily for 5–7 days.Children: Not usually recommended unless prescribed by a doctor.
Giardiasis (Giardia Infection)	Adults: 2 g once daily for 3 days or 400 mg three times a day for 5–7 days.Children: 15–40 mg/kg per day, divided into 2–3 doses for 5–7 days
Trichomoniasis (Sexually Transmitted Infection)	Adults (both partners should be treated):Single dose: 2 g once.Alternative: 400–500 mg twice daily for 5–7 days.Children: Not usually recommended unless prescribed by a doctor.
Bacterial Vaginosis	Oral: 400–500 mg twice daily for 5–7 days.Vaginal Gel: 5 g once or twice daily for 5 days
Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea	Adults: 400 mg three times daily for 10–14 days (alternative to vancomycin).
Helicobacter pylori (Peptic Ulcer Treatment)	Combination therapy: 400 mg twice daily for 7–14 days along with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and other antibiotics

The Dosage Depends Upon Factors Such as 

• Condition being treated
• The severity of the infection
• Age
• Weight of the patient.

Metronidazole Tablet Precautions 

While it is an effective and safe medication used to treat a variety of infections, certain precautions must be taken in order to get the maximum effect of this medication. These precautions are – 

• Avoid taking alcohol as it can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and headache.
• This medication may not be suitable for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman and should be used with caution only after consultation with a doctor. 
• It may not be suitable with people with liver disease and may require adjustment of dose. 
• It can have some Neurological effects such as dizziness, seizures, or neuropathy.
• It should be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach. 
• Complete the full course and do not skip a dose. 
• Avoid alcohol during the course of the medication.

Metronidazole Tablet Interactions With Other Medications

This medication can interact with other medications as well. Discuss your existing medications with your doctor before he prescribes metronidazole. Some of the medications with which it interacts are –  

• Warfarin: Increases the risk of bleeding.
• Lithium: This can raise lithium levels in the blood.
• Cimetidine: May prolong the effects of metronidazole.
• Phenytoin & Phenobarbital: May reduce metronidazole effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: The information on this blog is strictly for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor before taking any medication.