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Metronidazole

  • Important: Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole and for 48 hours after finishing the course. Note: some cough and cold preparations contain alcohol.
  • Metronidazole can cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  • You must take metronidazole at regular intervals and complete the course.

About metronidazole

Type of medicine Antibiotic
Used for Infections including dental infections, gynaecological infections, infected leg ulcers and pressure sores
To treat Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium which causes inflammation and ulcers in the stomach)
Also called Flagyl
Flagyl S
Metrolyl
Available as Tablets
Oral solution
Suppositories
Injection

Anaerobic bacteria cause infections in areas of the body such as the gums, pelvic cavity, gut and bones because they do not need oxygen to grow and multiply. Metronidazole works by killing anaerobic bacteria in the body. Metronidazole can also be used to prevent infection following gynaecological surgery and surgery on the gut.

Before taking metronidazole

Before taking metronidazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems
  • If you have a disorder of the central nervous system or epilepsy
  • If you suffer from a condition called porphyria (a blood disorder)
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  • If you have a dependency on alcohol

How to take metronidazole

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor or dentist.
  • You must take metronidazole at regular intervals and complete the course.
  • Metronidazole tablets should be taken with or just after food, with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
  • Metronidazole oral solution should be taken an hour before food or on an empty stomach.

HOW TO USE METRONIDAZOLE SUPPOSITORIES

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping.
  3. Remove the wrapping and moisten the suppository with water.
  4. Lie on your left side (if you are right handed and reverse if left handed) with one leg bent and the other straight.
  5. Gently push the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first.
  6. The suppository should be inserted as far as possible, pushing the end of the suppository sideways to ensure contact with the bowel.
  7. Lower your legs to a comfortable position to help you hold the suppository in place. Sit or lie for a few minutes.
  8. Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Important: Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole and for 48 hours after finishing the course. Note: some cough and cold preparations contain alcohol.
  • Metronidazole can cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

Can metronidazole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness and unsteadiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

Important: Occasionally allergic-type reactions could occur like nettle rash or swelling of the mouth or throat. If this occurs contact your doctor at once.

Other side-effects include feeling or being sick, furred tongue, unpleasant metallic taste, upset stomach, skin rashes, headache, darkening of urine, muscle pain and itching. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store metronidazole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1080		 DocRef:
dils3224		 Last Updated:
10 Jan 2007		 Date of Next Review:
9 Jan 2009		 Version:
22
Patient UK Current Health News




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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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