About metronidazole
Nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal
Used for
- Treats certain anaerobic bacterial infections.
- Treats amoebiasis, giardiasis, and trichomoniasis.
- May be used for bacterial vaginosis.
Usual adult dose
Varies by infection; commonly 400–500 mg by mouth two or three times daily for 5–10 days.
Usual dose in children
Varies by infection and weight; commonly 7.5 mg/kg by mouth every 8 hours, with condition-specific limits.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Metallic taste
- Headache
- Dark urine
Important warnings
- Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours afterward.
- Seek medical advice for numbness, tingling, or seizures.
- Use caution with liver disease or prolonged treatment.
- Complete the prescribed course.
Pregnancy
Use depends on infection and pregnancy stage; clinical guidance is needed, especially early in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk. Suitability depends on dose and treatment duration.
Interactions
- Warfarin and similar anticoagulants: increased bleeding risk
- Lithium: levels may rise
- Disulfiram: possible severe mental reactions
- Some seizure medicines can alter metronidazole levels
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.