About metronidazole bp
Nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal
Used for
- Treats susceptible bacterial infections, including some dental and abdominal infections.
- Treats certain parasitic infections, such as amoebiasis and giardiasis.
- Used with other medicines to treat Helicobacter pylori infection.
Usual adult dose
Varies by infection; commonly 400–500 mg two or three times daily for 5–10 days.
Usual dose in children
Dose depends on infection and body weight; commonly 7.5 mg/kg every 8 hours, with condition-specific limits.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Metallic taste or reduced appetite
- Headache or dizziness
- Dark urine
Important warnings
- Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours afterward.
- Seek medical advice for numbness, tingling, seizures, or severe rash.
- Tell a clinician about liver disease or blood disorders.
- Take for the prescribed duration; unnecessary use promotes antibiotic resistance.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically needed; treatment choice depends on infection and stage of pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk; short courses are generally considered compatible, but prolonged or high-dose treatment may require precautions.
Interactions
- Warfarin and similar anticoagulants: may increase bleeding risk.
- Lithium: may raise lithium levels.
- Disulfiram: avoid recent or concurrent use.
- Alcohol: may cause an unpleasant reaction during treatment and for 48 hours 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.