This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Metronidazole is an oral antiprotozoal and antibacterial. It is thought to work by entering the bacterial cell, acting on some components of the cell and destroying the bacteria. It is used for treating certain infections caused by bacteria or amoebas. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

Trichomoniasis: One-day treatment for adults: 2 grams of Metronidazole, taken as a single dose or divided into 2 doses (1 gram each) taken in the same day.

Seven-day course of treatment: 250 milligrams 3 times daily for 7 consecutive days.

Acute Intestinal Amebiasis (Acute Amebic Dysentery): The usual dose is 750 milligrams taken by mouth 3 times daily for 5 to 10 days.

Amebic Liver Abscess: The usual dose is 500 milligrams or 750 milligrams taken by mouth 3 times daily for 5 to 10 days.

Anaerobic Bacterial Infections: The usual adult oral dosage is 7.5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight every 6 hours.

Amebiasis: The usual dose for children is 35 to 50 milligrams for each 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, divided into 3 doses taken for 10 days.

Warning and Precautions

Metronidazole may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Metronidazole with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Metronidazole and for at least 1 day after the last dose.

If you are being treated for the sexually transmitted genital infection called trichomoniasis, your doctor may want to treat your partner at the same time, even if there are no symptoms. Try to avoid sexual intercourse until the infection is cured. If you do have sex, use a condom.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include nausea; seizures; vomiting.

Storage

Store Metronidazole at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Metronidazole out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

More common side effects may include: abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Metranidazole. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.