Precautions
- Bleeding gums
- bloating
- chest pain
- constipation
- cough
- dark urine
- fast heartbeat
- indigestion
- loss of appetite
- painful or difficult urination
What is metronidazole and side effects?
Metronidazole is a prescription medication used to treat infections of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, skin, bones and joints, and other areas of the body. Metronidazole may also be used to prevent postoperative infections. Metronidazole is also available as an over-the-counter medication.
What are the uses of metronidazole?
- The dose of metronidazole will be different for different people, depending on the type of infection and your age.
- The usual dose in adults is 400 milligrams 2 or 3 times a day, but your dose may be more or less than this.
- Your doctor will advise you on how long to take metronidazole for (usually 3–14 days).
What is the best way to take metronidazole?
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is usually reserved for treating anaerobic infections or other serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria in penicillin-allergic people. The risk of C... View. more. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is particularly effective at treating infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria and parasites.
What is the difference between metronidazole and clindamycin?
How does metronidazole work?
What are the side effects of metronidazole?
How does metronidazole affect DNA?
What is the step 3 of cytotoxic interactions?
Is metronidazole cytotoxic?
Can metronidazole cause neurotoxicity?
Does metronidazole kill bacteria?
See 4 more
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Will metronidazole clear your system?
It will take about 44 hours (5.5 x elimination half life 8 hrs) for metronidazole to be cleared from your system. The elimination half life of metronidazole is approximately 8 hours. It takes 5.5 x elimination half life for a medicine to be completely cleared from the body.
What happens when you take metronidazole?
It can give you severe side effects such as feeling or being sick, stomach pain, hot flushes, difficulty breathing, a pounding heartbeat (palpitations) and headaches. After finishing your treatment, wait for 2 days before drinking alcohol again. This allows the metronidazole to leave your body.
What is the mechanism of action for metronidazole?
Mechanism of Action Metronidazole diffuses into the organism, inhibits protein synthesis by interacting with DNA, and causes a loss of helical DNA structure and strand breakage. Therefore, it causes cell death in susceptible organisms.
How long does it take for metronidazole to start working?
Metronidazole should be taken with or just after food and with plenty of water. How long does it take to work? The medication will start working straight away. However, it is important to take the whole course of medicine that has been prescribed.
How long does metronidazole stay in your system?
How long does metronidazole stay in your system? For most people, metronidazole may still be present in the body up to 40 hours (a little less than 2 days) after your last dose. But for people with liver problems, this time could rise to 6 days.
Why do you have to use metronidazole at bedtime?
Metronidazole vaginal gel is used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Use one applicatorful at bedtime. A usual course of treatment lasts for five nights....What is metronidazole vaginal gel used for?Type of medicineAn antibacterial gelUsed forTreatment of bacterial vaginosisAlso calledZidoval®1 more row•May 20, 2020
How do I know if metronidazole is working?
Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days after you start this medicine or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not take metronidazole if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse®) within the last 2 weeks.
What foods should you avoid while taking metronidazole?
Alcohol, avocados, bananas, chocolate, salamiDo not mix these items with drugs such as metronidazole (Flagyl) and linezolid (Zyvox), used to treat bacterial infections.These foods, along with tap beer, red wine, and sherry, contain tyramine, an amino acid that can cause blood pressure to spike if taken with linezolid.
What kind of bacteria does metronidazole treat?
Metronidazole is highly active against gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, such as B. fragilis, and gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, such as C. difficile. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the drug are favorable, and it is available as oral, intravenous, vaginal, and topical formulations.
What is the strongest antibiotic for bacterial infection?
Vancomycin, long considered a "drug of last resort," kills by preventing bacteria from building cell walls. It binds to wall-building protein fragments called peptides, in particular those that end with two copies of the amino acid D-alanine (D-ala).
How long does discharge last after metronidazole?
A common side effect from metronidazole (vaginal) is a thick, white vaginal discharge with or without an odor which usually goes away soon after completing a full course of treatment.
Does metronidazole make you tired?
Metronidazole tablets may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, experience vertigo (spinning sensation), confusion, affect your vision, cause convulsions (fits) or hallucinations. Make sure you are not affected before you drive, operate machinery or take part in any activities where these may put you or others at risk.
How do I know if metronidazole is working?
Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days after you start this medicine or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not take metronidazole if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse®) within the last 2 weeks.
What is metronidazole commonly used to treat?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It's used to treat skin infections, rosacea and mouth infections, including infected gums and dental abscesses. It's also used to treat conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
What infections does metronidazole treat?
Metronidazole capsules and tablets are used to treat infections of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, skin, heart, bone, joint, lung, blood, nervous system, and other areas of the body. Metronidazole capsules and tablets are also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
What bacteria does metronidazole treat?
Metronidazole is highly active against gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, such as B. fragilis, and gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, such as C. difficile.
What happens if you drink alcohol with metronidazole?
Drinking alcohol while taking metronidazole is not recommended because the combination of metronidazole and alcohol can cause a reaction (often ref...
How long does it take for metronidazole to work?
Metronidazole starts to work 1 to 2 hours after you take it, because it is quickly absorbed, and it reaches its maximum concentration after 20 minu...
Does metronidazole treat chlamydia?
Metronidazole does not treat chlamydia and is not a recommended treatment for chlamydia, but it may be given if symptoms of chlamydia persist after...
Can metronidazole cause a yeast infection?
About 10% of women report a vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) as a side effect of metronidazole treatment. This is because metronidazol...
Can you have sex while taking metronidazole?
If you are taking oral metronidazole or using metronidazole gel for an infection that is linked with sexual activity, such as trichomoniasis, pelvi...
Metronidazole Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments - Drugs.com
Detailed Metronidazole dosage information for adults and children. Includes dosages for Bacterial Infection, Skin or Soft Tissue Infection, Skin and Structure Infection and more; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments.
Metronidazole (Uses, Dosage, Side Effects) - Drugs.com
What other drugs will affect metronidazole? Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.
[Is combining metronidazole and alcohol really hazardous?]
Background: It is common practice to warn against intake of alcohol (ethanol) when taking metronidazole because of the risk of an effect similar to disulfiram (Antabuse). In this article we investigate whether such a warning has any real basis. KNOWLEDGE BASE: The article is based on a review of relevant literature retrieved through a search in PubMed.
Metronidazole - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Metronidazole can cause delirium.. A 75-year-old man took oral metronidazole 500 mg tds for Clostridium difficile colitis and 48 hours after the start of therapy he became withdrawn and less responsive; during the next 24 hours he developed hallucinations and confusion [29].Metronidazole was switched to oral vancomycin, and his symptoms resolved within 24 hours.
What is metronidazole?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, liver, skin, joints, brain and spinal cord, lungs, heart, or bloodstream.
How is metronidazole taken?
Metronidazole oral is taken by mouth. The injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you the injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
What should I avoid while using metronidazole?
While taking metronidazole and for 3 days after your last dose: Do not drink alcohol or consume foods, medicines, or other products that contain alcohol or propylene glycol. You may have unpleasant effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and warmth or tingling under your skin.
What other drugs will affect metronidazole?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
How long after stopping metronidazole can you drink alcohol?
Do not drink alcohol or consume foods or medicines that contain propylene glycol while you are taking metronidazole and for at least 3 days after you stop taking it.
How long does metronidazole last?
Metronidazole is usually given for up to 10 days in a row. You may need to repeat this dosage several weeks later.
What is metronidazole used for?
Interactions. 1. How it works. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of anaerobic infections caused by susceptible bacteria or parasites. Anaerobic means "living without air".
What are the side effects of metronidazole?
Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache, nausea, diarrhea, an unpleasant metallic taste, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage to fingers and toes), ...
How long after taking metronidazole can you drink alcohol?
Avoid alcohol or products containing propylene glycol (found in some flavored iced teas, frostings, and salad dressings) while taking metronidazole, and for three days after the course of metronidazole has finished.
How long does metronidazole last?
For some infections, metronidazole may be given as a single dose. For other types of infections, it may need to be taken for seven to ten days, or even longer. Do not use metronidazole to treat infections other than the one you have been prescribed it for.
How does metronidazole affect DNA?
Once absorbed, metronidazole diffuses into susceptible organisms, where it becomes active and detrimentally affects DNA synthesis and degradation in the organism, causing cell death. However, the exact way metronidazole works is unknown. Metronidazole belongs to a class of antibiotics known as nitroimidazoles. 2.
What class is metronidazole?
Metronidazole belongs to a class of antibiotics known as nitroimidazoles.
Can you take metronidazole if you have antabuse?
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication, including that bought over-the-counter, because it may not be compatible with metronidazole. Do not take metronidazole if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past two weeks.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
increased volume of pale, dilute urine. joint or muscle pain. loss of bladder control. red skin lesions, often with a purple center. red, irritated eyes. redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest. redness of the skin. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
Can medicine cause side effects?
Side Effects. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Metronidazole Overview
How long does it take for metronidazole to work? But, before we dive into that, let’s find out what Metronidazole is and how it works.
How Long Does It Take For Metronidazole To Work?
How long does it take for metronidazole to work? Well, there is no definite answer to it. Once you take the dose, it usually takes 1-2 hours for Metronidazole to work. However, it may take up to 48 hours for the infection-related symptoms to disappear. That means Metronidazole takes up almost 2 days to work.
Upsides Of Metronidazole
Now, you know how long does it take for metronidazole to work. However, do you know what the medicine is good for? Let’s take a look:
Downsides Of Metronidazole
Metronidazole is not always a beneficial drug. Sometimes, it can also cause adverse reactions to the human body if combined with other medications. Let’s take a look at the downsides of metronidazole:
How To Take It?
It is possible to take it with or without food. Take precisely as advised and for the specified amount of time. Metronidazole can be administered as a single dosage for specific illnesses. However, it may be necessary to take it for seven to ten days, or possibly longer, for different forms of infections.
Putting It All Together
How Long Does It Take For Metronidazole To Work? We have already answered this question. However, we have also talked about what the medicine is suitable for and its upsides and downsides.
How does metronidazole work?
The mechanism of action of metronidazole occurs through a four-step process. Step one is the entry into the organism by diffusion across the cell membranes of anaerobic and aerobic pathogens. However, antimicrobial effects are limited to anaerobes.[7]
What are the side effects of metronidazole?
The primary adverse effects of metronidazole include confusion, peripheral neuropathy, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Adverse events seen in greater than 10% of the population include headache (18%), vaginitis (15%), and nausea (10% to 12%).
How does metronidazole affect DNA?
Metronidazole diffuses into the organism, inhibits protein synthesis by interacting with DNA and causing a loss of helical DNA structure and strand breakage. Therefore, it causes cell death in susceptible organisms. The mechanism of action of metronidazole occurs through a four-step process.
What is the step 3 of cytotoxic interactions?
Step three, interactions with intracellular targets, is achieved by cytotoxic particles interacting with host cell DNA resulting in DNA strand breakage and fatal destabilization of the DNA helix.[9] Step four is the breakdown of cytotoxic products.
Is metronidazole cytotoxic?
Metronidazole is also cytotoxic to facultatively ana erobic bacteria likeHelicobacter pyloriand Gardnerella vaginalis, but the mechanism of action to these pathogens is not well understood. [7] Administration. Metronidazole may be administered orally, intravenously, or topically.
Can metronidazole cause neurotoxicity?
Additional warnings and precautions for metronidazole exist. Prolonged courses of the drug can cause severe neurological disturbances due to the risk of cumulative neurotoxicity. Monitor for neurologic sequela and discontinue therapy if any abnormal neurologic symptoms occur. [19][22]Prolonged use may also result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis. There are reports of CDAD even after more than 2 months of postantibiotic treatment. Candidiasis infection may also be more prominent during metronidazole treatment. [19][23]
Does metronidazole kill bacteria?
Metronidazole has rapid bactericidal effects against anaerobic bacteria with a killing rate proportional to the drug concentration. Concentration-dependent bactericidal properties have been demonstrated against Entamoeba histolyticaand Trichomonas vaginalis. Furthermore, it kills Bacteroides fragilisand Clostridium perfringensmore rapidly than treatment doses of clindamycin. It also penetrates the blood-brain barrier. [3][4][5][6]
How It Works
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of infections.
May Treat: Trichomoniasis · Acute intestinal amebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica · Lower respiratory infection · Liver abscess amebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica · Bacteroides liver abscess and more
Brand Names: Flagyl · Metrogel · Noritate · MetroCream · Rosadan and more
Drug Class: Antiprotozoal-Antibacterial 1st Generation 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole · Dermatological - Rosacea Therapy, Topical · Vaginal Antiprotozoal-Antibacterial - Nitroimidazole Derivatives
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Trichomoniasis · Acute intestinal amebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica · Lower respiratory infection · Liver abscess amebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica · Bacteroides liver abscess and more
Brand Names: Flagyl · Metrogel · Noritate · MetroCream · Rosadan and more
Drug Class: Antiprotozoal-Antibacterial 1st Generation 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole · Dermatological - Rosacea Therapy, Topical · Vaginal Antiprotozoal-Antibacterial - Nitroimidazole Derivatives
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Avoid intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- Use sunscreen
- For gel with applicator products : If available, read the patient package insert. Read instructions carefully. Insert into the vagina as directed. Avoid alcohol during therapy & 24 hrs after. Usually used at bedtime. Avoid alcohol in drinks, foods, and medicines. Refrain from intercourse during therapy. Call doctor if you are not better in 5 days.
- For lotion products : For external use only. Wash hands before and after using. Clean and dry skin, then use a thin layer on area. Keep away from eyes. Avoid sun lamps/prolonged direct sun. Call doctor if you are not better in 3 weeks. Ask doctor before use in other conditions. Follow directions on best place to keep drug supply.
- Use sunscreen
- For gel with applicator products : If available, read the patient package insert. Read instructions carefully. Insert into the vagina as directed. Avoid alcohol during therapy & 24 hrs after. Usually used at bedtime. Avoid alcohol in drinks, foods, and medicines. Refrain from intercourse during therapy. Call doctor if you are not better in 5 days.
- For lotion products : For external use only. Wash hands before and after using. Clean and dry skin, then use a thin layer on area. Keep away from eyes. Avoid sun lamps/prolonged direct sun. Call doctor if you are not better in 3 weeks. Ask doctor before use in other conditions. Follow directions on best place to keep drug supply.
- For tablet products : Avoid alcohol during and for 3 days after therapy. Take with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. Take with meals at evenly spaced intervals. May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving. Success is dependent on completing therapy course. May darken urine while taking this drug. Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor.
Upsides
Downsides
Bottom Line
Tips
- Metronidazole is an antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of anaerobic infections caused by susceptible bacteria or parasites. Anaerobic means "living without air".
- Once absorbed, metronidazole diffuses into susceptible organisms, where it becomes active and detrimentally affects DNA synthesis and degradation in the organism, causing cell death. However, the e...
- Metronidazole is an antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of anaerobic infections caused by susceptible bacteria or parasites. Anaerobic means "living without air".
- Once absorbed, metronidazole diffuses into susceptible organisms, where it becomes active and detrimentally affects DNA synthesis and degradation in the organism, causing cell death. However, the e...
- Metronidazole belongs to a class of antibiotics known as nitroimidazoles.
Response and Effectiveness
- Has good penetration into tissue and may be used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria that occur in the abdomen, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary area, in th...
- Active against the following types of bacteria: gram-positive anaerobes (Clostridium species, Eubacterium species, Peptococcus species, Peptostreptococcus species); gram-negative an…
- Has good penetration into tissue and may be used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria that occur in the abdomen, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary area, in th...
- Active against the following types of bacteria: gram-positive anaerobes (Clostridium species, Eubacterium species, Peptococcus species, Peptostreptococcus species); gram-negative anaerobes (some Ba...
- May be used in the treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic T. vaginalis infections. Male sexual partners of people with Trichomoniasisinfections should be treated simultaneously. Isolating the or...
- May be used in the treatment of acute intestinal amebiasis (amebic dysentery) and amebic li…
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. A headache, nausea, diarrhea, an unpleasant metallic taste, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage to fingers and toes), or a rash are common side effects. Rarely, seizures. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effe…
Further Information
- Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is particularly effective at treating infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria and parasites. Alcohol and products containing propylene glycol should...