Everything about metronidazole tablets; Application, side effects, usage and drug interactions

Metronidazole is one of those drugs that are often seen in medical prescriptions, but its use remains unclear to many users. This pill is not just an ordinary antibiotic and helps to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria or some parasites; That is, conditions on which many common drugs do not have the necessary effectiveness. Knowing exactly what metronidazole tablets are, in which cases they are prescribed and when they should not be used, can prevent arbitrary use, incomplete treatment of infection, and even the occurrence of unwanted side effects. In this article from Digikala Mag, without exaggeration and clichéd explanations, we clearly discuss the uses, possible side effects and the correct way to use metronidazole.

What is metronidazole tablet?

Metronidazole tablet is an antibiotic and antiparasitic drug that is prescribed to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and some parasites; That is, microorganisms that grow in low-oxygen environments and many common antibiotics are not effective on them. For this reason, metronidazole has a definite and irreplaceable place in the treatment of some infections, and its use is usually targeted and done with a doctor’s diagnosis. This drug has different dosages and both syrup and tablets can be prescribed.

Metronidazole is not active by itself when it enters the body. This drug works only when it enters some specific microbes; Microbes that live in low-oxygen environments or inside these microbes, a chemical reaction occurs that makes metronidazole active. When the drug is activated:

• It attaches directly to the DNA of the microbe
• It disrupts the DNA structure
• It does not allow germs to multiply or survive

When a microbe’s DNA is damaged, it can no longer grow or survive and eventually dies. The important point in the nature of metronidazole’s action is that this drug does not harm healthy body cells, because there are no necessary conditions for its activation in human cells. For this reason, its effect is relatively selective and acts only on sensitive microorganisms. This feature has made metronidazole known as a precise and specialized medicine and not a normal antibiotic. Therefore, you should not think of using Go for the best antibiotic for tooth infection.

What are the uses of metronidazole tablets?

Metronidazole is prescribed for the targeted treatment of specific infections and, unlike many antibiotics, its use is limited to specific types of bacteria and parasites. The doctor prescribes this medicine when the cause of the infection is definitely sensitive to metronidazole. The most important uses of this drug include the following:

1. Symptomatic trichomoniasis: Metronidazole is used to treat trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection with symptoms such as discharge, burning, or an unpleasant odor. Medicines are used only when the diagnosis is confirmed by testing.
2. Asymptomatic trichomoniasis: In some people, trichomoniasis is asymptomatic, but testing shows that an infection is present. In this situation, the treatment is carried out so that the infection does not remain hidden and is not transmitted to the person’s sexual partner again.
3. Amoebiasis (parasitic infection): Metronidazole is used to treat parasitic infections caused by amoeba in the intestine or liver and can be used in adults and children.
4. Anaerobic bacterial infections: This drug is used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria; Bacteria that grow in low oxygen environments and are resistant to many antibiotics.
5. Gastrointestinal tract infections: In some stomach and intestinal infections of bacterial or parasitic origin, metronidazole is prescribed along with the best medicine for stomach and intestinal infection to eliminate the cause of the infection.
6. Liver infections: In cases such as liver abscess with infectious origin, metronidazole plays a major role in controlling and treating the microbial agent.
7. Skin and soft tissue infections: Metronidazole is used to treat infected wounds, rosacea, bedsores, or deep skin infections involving anaerobic bacteria.
8. Joint, lung, heart and blood infections: In severe internal infections caused by anaerobic bacteria such as pneumonia, septicemia, endocarditis or empyema, metronidazole can be prescribed orally or by injection.
9. Brain and spinal cord infections: In some infections of the central nervous system with anaerobic bacterial origin, such as meningitis, this drug is used as part of specialized treatment.
10. Mouth and gum infections: Metronidazole is used in oral infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, such as gum infections or deep mouth abscesses, to control the causative agent and prevent its spread.
11. Infections of the genital tract of men and women: This drug is prescribed in the treatment of bacterial or parasitic infections of the genital tract, such as the treatment of vaginal bacterial infection, and by eliminating the microbial agent, it helps reduce symptoms and prevent further complications.
12. Infections caused by insect bites: If the insect bite leads to a bacterial infection, metronidazole can be used to inhibit the growth of microbes and prevent the infection from progressing.

What is the method of taking metronidazole tablets?

The method of taking metronidazole tablets depends on the type of infection, the severity of the disease, the age and physical condition of the patient, and for this reason, the dose can vary from person to person. This medicine should only be taken according to the doctor’s prescription and arbitrary changes in the amount or duration of its use can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Metronidazole is a type of antibiotic and is used to treat infections caused by bacteria or parasites. This drug is well absorbed after oral intake, and for this reason, it is very important to observe order in the timing of its use.

Typically, metronidazole oral suspension or tablet is taken 2 to 3 times a day, and the course of treatment usually lasts 7 to 10 days. In some special cases, the capsule form of the drug may be prescribed for consumption 2 to 4 times a day, usually for 10 days. The exact details of use, including the number of times, the interval between doses and the duration of treatment, are included on the doctor’s prescription, which you must pay attention to.

Dosage of metronidazole tablets

Oral metronidazole is produced in different doses so that it is possible to adjust the treatment according to the patient’s condition. Common doses of this drug are:

• Oral tablets: 250 mg, 400 mg and 500 mg
• Oral capsule: Usually 375 mg
• Oral suspension: Often equivalent to 500 mg

The doctor chooses the appropriate dose according to the age of the patient, the type of infection, its severity and the body’s response to the treatment.

What is metronidazole 250 tablets for?

Metronidazole 250 mg tablets are usually used in cases where the infection is less severe or there is a need to divide the dose during the day. This dose is used in the treatment of some parasitic infections, such as an intestinal infection transmitted through water or food, which is known as giardiasis, but the amount and duration of its use must be determined by a doctor. Also, metronidazole 250 mg is used in many cases for children or patients with lower weight, so that the dose of the drug can be adjusted more accurately and safely.

How to take metronidazole 250 tablets for children

In children, the dose and method of taking metronidazole is completely dependent on age, weight, type of infection and its severity and should only be determined by a specialist doctor. This medicine is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day and preferably with or after food to reduce the possibility of digestive discomfort. If there is an underlying disease or drug sensitivity, it is necessary to adjust the dose or change the form of the drug.

What is metronidazole 500 tablets for?

Metronidazole 500 mg tablets are usually prescribed for more severe, extensive or resistant infections to lighter treatments; Especially when lower doses or shorter courses have failed to bring about complete recovery. This dose of medicine is used to control deep or advanced infections in different parts of the body, including the digestive system, vagina, pelvis, liver and some dental infections, and should be used under the supervision of a doctor and in a strict treatment plan. Regular and complete consumption of 500 mg tablets not only improves the symptoms faster, but also plays a vital role in preventing the return of infection, disease recurrence and drug resistance in microbes.

How to take metronidazole 500 tablets

To reduce digestive side effects, it is better to take metronidazole 500 tablets with food or after food. If the long-release form of the drug is prescribed, it should be taken one hour before or two hours after food and swallow the pill completely; Breaking or chewing this type of pill is not allowed. The meaning of prolonged release is that the pill releases the drug gradually over several hours so that its effect is more stable. Compliance with these points will make the drug have a better therapeutic effect and reduce the risk of side effects.

What are the side effects of metronidazole?

Taking metronidazole tablets, like any other drug, can have mild to severe side effects. The most common side effects of this drug include the following. These side effects are usually mild and gradually decrease with the continuation of the treatment period; But if it continues or gets worse, you should consult a doctor.

• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach upset
• diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• headache
• Loss of appetite
• weight loss
• Metallic taste in the mouth

Some less common side effects may also occur for some people, but they are usually transient. These complications include:

• dizziness
• Dry mouth or vagina
• Nervous excitability
• Drowsiness
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Urine color change

In rare cases, metronidazole may cause the following allergic reactions. In such a situation, you should stop taking the medicine and see a doctor very quickly.

• Severe hives or itching
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or lips
• fever
• joint pain
• Respiratory problems
• Red or purple skin
• Blistering and peeling of the skin
• Severe pain in the skin

Metronidazole tablets can also cause more serious problems:

• Nervous system problems: Inflammation of the brain or membrane of the brain and spinal cord, convulsions or sensory disorders
• Blood problems: Decrease in the number of white blood cells (leukopenia) in people with a history of blood diseases
• Heart and liver disorders: Including abnormal heart rhythm and serious liver problems in people with some diseases such as cocaine syndrome

People who experience severe reactions or unusual symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Of course, it is important to consult a doctor even in case of mild side effects.

Important points of taking metronidazole tablets

Now that you know what metronidazole tablets are, you should know that you should pay attention to a series of important points in order to use them correctly.

• Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor and with the prescribed dose and duration and avoid arbitrarily changing the dose or stopping it early.
• Metronidazole is best taken with or after food to reduce the possibility of stomach upset and digestive problems.
• During the treatment period and at least 2 to 3 days after the end of taking the medicine, avoid consuming alcohol and food or medicines containing propylene glycol; Its combination with alcohol can cause a severe disulfiram reaction such as nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing and weakness.
• Continue the full course of treatment even if your symptoms improve before the end of the course; Because stopping it early may cause recurrence of infection or drug resistance.
• Tell your doctor about other medications, herbal products, or supplements you are taking to check for possible drug interactions. For example, if you are using the best pill for uterine infection, your doctor should know this.
• If you experience unusual or severe side effects, such as allergic reactions, severe dizziness, numbness, tingling, persistent diarrhea, or severe pain, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you have liver, kidney, heart, blood disorders, digestive diseases or neurological problems, be sure to inform your doctor about your special conditions.
• The use of metronidazole during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires careful examination by the doctor. Studies have shown that treatment of some infections with metronidazole during pregnancy is usually safe, but it should be used with caution in the first trimester, and breast milk may need to be discarded for 48 hours after the last dose when breastfeeding.

Drug interactions of metronidazole

Metronidazole tablets, like any other drug, can interact with some drugs and foods, which are important to avoid side effects:

• Alcohol and drugs containing propylene glycol: Simultaneous use with metronidazole can cause disulfiram reaction such as nausea, vomiting and flushing.
• Disulfiram (Antabuse): Metronidazole should not be used if it has been taken within the past two weeks.
• warfarin: The risk of bleeding may increase.
• Phenobarbital and phenytoin: It reduces the effect of metronidazole.
• cimetidine: It increases the level of metronidazole in the blood.
• lithium: The level of lithium in the blood increases.
• Chlorpromazine: Adverse effects of the central nervous system may increase.
• Other drugs: Heart medications, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, or liver medications should be checked with a doctor before starting metronidazole.

Always provide your doctor with a complete list of medications and supplements before starting metronidazole to avoid possible interactions and side effects.

Source: NHS, Drugs