Metronidazole is a prescription medication used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, bowel, and throat. It’s also sometimes used to treat parasitic infections and certain types of cancer. Metronidazole works by killing the bacteria or parasites that cause these conditions. This article will explain what metronidazole is and how it works, as well as some of its uses and side effects (including interactions with other drugs). Before reading the article you can check out this “AlbenPure”, an online-based pharma company that recently launched “Albendazole Capsules”. Or you can also check out this “Albendazole Tablets For Sale”. However, let’s begin by diving into our main blog topic.
What is metronidazole?
Metronidazole is a prescription medication used to treat infections caused by bacteria, parasites, and fungi. It’s also used for the treatment of stomach ulcers.
Metronidazole can be taken with or without food. If you take metronidazole on an empty stomach, it may cause nausea or vomiting. If this occurs, take it with food instead of on an empty stomach to prevent these side effects (but don’t take it with dairy products).
How does it work?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that works by killing bacteria. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including stomach or intestinal infections (such as bacterial gastroenteritis), certain sexually transmitted diseases, pneumonia, and other respiratory tract infections. Metronidazole also can be used to treat certain parasitic worm infections such as trichomoniasis and giardiasis.
Metronidazole does not work against viruses or fungi (yeast).
Uses for metronidazole
Metronidazole is used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It works by killing the bacteria and preventing them from reproducing.
Metronidazole may be prescribed for the following conditions:
- Bacterial vaginosis (a vaginal infection)
- Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
- Crohn’s disease (long-lasting inflammation of the digestive tract)
- Helminthic infections
Side effects of metronidazole
Most people tolerate metronidazole well, but side effects can occur. Possible side effects of metronidazole include:
- nausea and vomiting
- headache
- dizziness
- blurred vision or ringing in your ears
- diarrhea or constipation (especially when you first start taking the drug)
Some people also experience more serious side effects. Tell your doctor if you have any of these problems: * blood in stool or urine, black stools; redness, swelling, pain on one side of lower belly (flank), fever; numbness or tingling around the mouth; pain in arms and legs that gets worse with movement; confusion/trouble thinking clearly and speaking clearly; severe stomach pain or cramps (may be accompanied by fever); skin rash with itching over a large area like entire body or just parts such as chest/back/arms/legs).
What to do if you miss a dose of metronidazole
If you miss a dose of metronidazole, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as usual. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Metronidazole drug interactions
Metronidazole can interact with other medications.
- Antibiotics: Metronidazole may reduce the effectiveness of other antibiotics, including tetracycline and erythromycin.
- Warfarin (Coumadin): The blood-thinning effects of warfarin are enhanced by metronidazole, which increases the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery or injury.
The following foods and beverages should be avoided while taking metronidazole:
- Alcoholic drinks: Drinking alcohol while taking metronidazole may cause nausea and vomiting, although this effect is uncommon in patients who do not drink alcoholic beverages regularly.
- Caffeine products, such as coffee or tea: Drinking caffeine products while taking metronidazole may lead to a faster heartbeat than normal.
Warnings and precautions for metronidazole
Metronidazole should not be used in children under 12 years of age due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Metronidazole should not be used during pregnancy because it may cause harm to the fetus.
Metronidazole passes into breast milk, but it is unknown if this affects a baby’s health or growth. Do not take metronidazole without first talking with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding an infant or planning to breastfeed an infant.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about metronidazole and its uses, we hope it is easier to see why this medication is so important to patients everywhere. This antibiotic has been used for decades as a treatment for bacterial infections, but it also has other applications like helping alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach or even treating diarrhea caused by parasites!