About metronidazole
Nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal
Used for
- Treats serious anaerobic bacterial infections, often with other antibiotics.
- Treats certain parasitic infections, including amoebiasis and trichomoniasis.
Usual adult dose
Usually 500 mg intravenously every 8 hours; dose and duration depend on infection.
Usual dose in children
For children over 8 weeks, commonly 7.5 mg/kg intravenously every 8 hours; specialist dosing varies.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort
- Metallic taste
- Headache or dizziness
- Pain or inflammation at the infusion site
Important warnings
- Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours afterward.
- Prolonged treatment can cause nerve or blood-cell problems.
- Use cautiously with liver disease or a history of seizures.
- Seek urgent care for severe rash, confusion, or numbness.
Pregnancy
Use when clinically needed; treatment decisions depend on the infection and pregnancy stage.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk; discuss treatment and feeding with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Warfarin and similar anticoagulants: increased bleeding risk
- Lithium: increased lithium levels and toxicity
- Disulfiram: possible confusion or psychotic reactions
- Alcohol: may cause unpleasant reactions during treatment and shortly afterward
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.