Metronidazole comes under the category of antibiotics and can be used to treat numerous infections. The mechanism of action of this medication includes inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis of microbial cells thereby blocking the growth of some specific bacteria and parasites. This will not work for viral infections (like colds and flu). Using antibiotics when they are not needed can cause antibiotic resistance and will not be effective in preventing future infections. Metronidazole can surely be utilised along with other medicines to treat certain stomach or intestinal ulcers.
What are the Uses of Metronidazole?
The antibiotic called metronidazole is used to treat several infections. It prevents specific germs and parasites from growing in our bodies.
- Only specific bacterial and parasite illnesses are treated by this antibiotic. For viral infections (such as colds and the flu), this is ineffective.
- Antibiotics can help avoid infections later on. In addition, metronidazole can be used in conjunction with other drugs to treat specific bacterial (H. pylori) gastritis and intestinal ulcers.
Directions to Use Metronidazole
Metronidazole uses are many but here is a guide to how you can use the medicine or what can be the possible ways.
- You should consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding Metronidazole use. The intake of this medication is done orally as instructed by your health expert.
- To avoid stomach upset, take this medication with food or a full glass of water or milk.
- The bottle should be shaken firmly before taking the suspension form of this medication.
- Carefully measure the dose with the help of a special measuring device.
- The dose of medicine is subject to your medical condition and its response to treatment. The dose among children depends on their weight.
- Even if symptoms go away in a few days, keep taking this medication until the entire advised dosage is finished. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, the infection can come back.
- Take this antibiotic at equally spaced intervals for optimal results. Take this medicine at the same time each day to aid in better health outcomes.
These are some of the best and most important metronidazole uses which one must understand before consuming.
Metronidazole Dosage
Each patient will require a different metronidazole dosage. You must read the product label’s instructions and take advice from the physician. Only the average dosages for this medication are listed below. If your dosage is different, only adjust it if your physician instructs you to.
The effect of the medicine determines how much should be taken. The medical condition for which you are taking the medication also affects how many dosages you take daily, how long you can wait between doses, and how long you should take the medication.
1. Bacterial Infections
Adults
- Your doctor must establish the appropriate dosage, which is based on your body weight.
- For seven to ten days, the dosage is typically 7.5 mg/kg, or milligrams per kilogram of body weight, given every six hours.
- If necessary, your doctor might raise your dosage. But typically, the dosage doesn’t exceed 4 grams (g) each day.
Children
The health specialist should direct the guidelines for the use and dosage of metronidazole in children.
2. For Infections with Trichomoniasis
Adults
Oral Medicine Regimes:
375 mg of a capsule, taken twice daily for seven days.
One-day Treatment: One gram (g) administered twice a day or two grams (g) given all at once.
Treatment for seven days: take 250 mg three times a day.
Take this medication as soon as possible if you miss a dose. However, if your next dose is immediately due, you may skip the dose you missed and resume the general dose routine. Avoid taking two doses at once.
What are Metronidazole Risks?
Some of the metronidazole side effects have been discussed below.
Items containing alcohol (such as aftershave, cough, and cold syrups), propylene glycol-containing goods, lopinavir/ritonavir solution, and lithium are some examples of products that may interact with this medication. Thus, keep your distance from them.
Metronidazole side effects include issues like:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Metallic taste in your mouth.
Notify your specialist or doctor right once if any of these metronidazole side effects persist or worsen.
This medicine may result in darker-coloured urine. This is a mild side effect that goes away when the medicine is stopped.
If you experience any significant side effects, such as dizziness, seizures, mental or mood swings (e.g., disorientation), difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, eye pain, abrupt changes in vision, severe headache that doesn’t go away, or a stiff or painful neck, get medical attention immediately.
What are the Precautions for Metronidazole?
Inform your doctor about all of your medical history before using this medication, including any instances of kidney or liver disease, low blood cell counts, blood problems, or a rare genetic condition called Cockayne syndrome.
This medication may cause vertigo. Both marijuana (cannabis) and alcohol can increase vertigo. Until you can do so safely, avoid operating machinery, driving, or anything else requiring alertness. Consult your doctor if you use marijuana regularly.
While taking this drug and for at least three days after stopping it, stay away from alcoholic beverages and propylene glycol-containing items since they may induce severe stomach upset/cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing.
Conclusion
Now you know the different ways in which the right dosage of Metronidazole can help you cure various types of infections. Make sure you take all the precautions in order to ensure a smooth and quick recovery. Before starting with your dosage, do ensure that you consult a medical professional.
