About metronidazole
Nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal
Used for
- Treats certain anaerobic bacterial infections
- Treats trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and giardiasis
- Treats amoebiasis and some other parasitic infections
Usual adult dose
Varies by infection: commonly 400–500 mg two or three times daily for 5–10 days; some infections need a different regimen.
Usual dose in children
Dose depends on infection and weight; commonly 7.5 mg/kg every 8 hours, with a maximum of 400 mg per dose.
Common side effects
- Nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea
- Metallic taste or reduced appetite
- Headache or dizziness
- Dark urine; rarely, nerve problems or seizures
Important warnings
- Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours afterward.
- Seek medical attention for numbness, tingling, severe rash, or seizures.
- Tell the prescriber about liver disease or blood disorders.
- Use only for the prescribed infection; unnecessary use promotes antibiotic resistance.
Pregnancy
Use depends on the infection and pregnancy stage; a clinician should assess benefits and risks, especially early in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk. Short courses are generally considered compatible; a single large dose may require a temporary pause.
Interactions
- Warfarin and similar blood thinners: increased bleeding risk
- Lithium: levels may rise
- Disulfiram: possible serious mental effects
- Alcohol: may cause unpleasant reactions
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.