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What is Metronidazole
 Metronidazole
is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in your body.
Metronidazole
is used to treat infections such as abdominal infections,
skin and tissue infections, bone and joint infections, gynecologic
infections, and respiratory tract infections.
Metronidazole
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Metronidazole
Take all of the Metronidazole that has been prescribed
for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms
may start to improve before the infection is completely
treated.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Metronidazole.
Flushing, fast heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting may occur
when alcohol is ingested during Metronidazole therapy.
What you should find out before taking
Metronidazole
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease,
- a stomach or intestinal
disease, or
- epilepsy or another seizure disorder.
You may not be able to take Metronidazole, or you
may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your
therapy if you have any of these conditions.
Metronidazole
is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is
not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not, however, take
Metronidazole without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant.
Metronidazole passes into breast milk
and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should take Metronidazole Take Metronidazole exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Take
all of the Metronidazole that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start
to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Store Metronidazole at room temperature away from moisture
and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take
the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Metronidazole overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, and seizures.
Avoid while taking Metronidazole Do not drink alcohol while taking Metronidazole.
Flushing, fast heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting may occur
when alcohol is ingested during Metronidazole therapy.
Be aware of the alcohol content of other products such as
cough and cold medicines. Alcohol in these products can
also cause a reaction.
Possible side effects of Metronidazole If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Metronidazole and seek emergency medical
attention:
- an allergic reaction (swelling of your
lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your
throat; or hives);
- seizures;
- numbness
or tingling;
- dizziness or loss of coordination;
or
- severe diarrhea.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Metronidazole and talk to your doctor if you experience
- darkening of your urine;
- nausea, vomiting,
or loss of appetite;
- an unpleasant metallic taste
in your mouth;
- constipation or mild diarrhea;
-
headache; or
- swollen or sore tongue.
Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Metronidazole Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if
you are taking any of the following medicines:
-
a barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton),
amobarbital (Amytal), or secobarbital (Seconal). These medicines
may decrease the effects of Metronidazole.
- warfarin
(Coumadin). Bleeding may occur if Metronidazole and warfarin
are used together.
- phenytoin (Dilantin). Phenytoin
may cause dangerous side effects when taken with Metronidazole.
- lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others). Lithium may
also cause dangerous side effects when taken with Metronidazole.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Metronidazole.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
