Metronidazole is an antibiotic medicinal drug which is used for treating skin infections, mouth infections as well as conditions like bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, bedsores, skin ulcers, insect bites, etc.

Metronidazole belongs to a class of drugs known as nitroimidazole antimicrobials. It prevents the growth of bacteria. It is used to treat infections of the skin, heart, blood, nervous system, reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, joint, bone, lung, and various other areas of the body.

Metronidazole helps treat bacterial infections and restore a person’s health. It make daily life, as well as sex, a lot more pleasant.

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medicine, each tablet is around 400 mg. The normal dosage in case of antibiotic tablets is usually 800 mg at the start, and 400 mg every 8 hours. However, since this is a prescription-only drug, follow the instructions as given by the doctor.

Metronidazole is a prescription-only medication. You can purchase it safely from the online pharmacy MedsNow after you have received a prescription from a consultant who is independent of any pharmacist.

Metronidazole can be taken by adults and children in most cases. However, if you have any of the following conditions, please tell your doctor about it as the medicine may not be suitable for you in that case:

• If you have had any form of allergic reactions to any medicines in the past, including metronidazole

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• If you have liver problems or are undergoing dialysis

• If you feel you may not be able to stop drinking alcohol while using the medicine

Certain drugs may have negative effects when used with Metronidazole. These include:

• Busulfan

• Lithium

• A blood thinner

• Phenytoin or phenobarbital

• Certain herbal medicines

• Certain over-the-counter drugs, vitamin capsules, etc.

If you are using any of the above drugs, please mention it to your doctor during the consultation itself. This is not a complete list, there may be other medicines which are unsuitable to be used with Metronidazole too.

If you get any allergic reaction to the drug-like swelling of the tongue, throat lips, or face. If you face any difficulty in breathing, then you must seek emergency medical attention. 

There are some other side effects that the drug may cause, including:

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain

• Diarrhoea, constipation

• Rash, itching

• Mouth sores

• Vaginal itching or discharge

• Headache

• Unpleasant taste

• Swollen, red, or hairy tongue

If you miss a dose of the medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is already time for the next dose, do not take a double dose.

If you take an overdose, you will need emergency medical help. Visit the Accident and Emergency Centre at your nearest local hospital.

1. Is metronidazole safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

   There is no ill effect observed in women who take the drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

2. How long does it take metronidazole to leave your system?

   It takes about 44 hours for the drug to be cleared from your system.

3. What if you had sex while using metronidazole vaginal gel?

   It is not recommended to have sexual intercourse while undergoing treatment. Because it may reduce the effect of the medication, and there are chances it could infect your partner too.  If you have had intercourse during the medication, or if your partner starts experiencing symptoms, you must contact your doctor.

4. Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

   You must not eat food or medicines with propylene glycol when you are using metronidazole. It may result in side effects like stomach cramps, vomiting, headaches, nausea, and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

5. Can you drink alcohol with metronidazole?

   Alcohol should not be consumed when taking Metronidazole.

6. Will it reduce my fertility?

   The study of Metronidazole’s effect on fertility is only observed in animals until now, where high doses of the drug caused infertility in male rats.

7. Can metronidazole cause thrush?

   Sometimes you may get vaginal thrush when you use Metronidazole. This is because as an antibiotic, it destroys all the bacteria, including the good bacteria which help prevent thrush.

8. Will it stop my contraception from working?

   There is no such known effect.

9. What if I don't get better?

   You must consult your doctor and tell them if you do not feel any better after taking the course.

10. Can metronidazole get you high?

    Metronidazole tablets can make you feel sleepy, confused and dizzy. They may affect your vision, and cause fits or hallucinations.

11. What std does metronidazole treat?

    Trichomoniasis can be treated with Metronidazole.

12. Does metronidazole kill good gut bacteria?

    Yes, the drug can potentially kill good bacteria.

13. Does metronidazole make you pee?

    Metronidazole is known to cause urine discolouration, resulting in urine of a darker colour. But high frequency is not yet reported.

14. Can I take metronidazole on an empty stomach?

    No, the drug must be taken during food or just after you complete your meal.

15. Can I take vitamins with metronidazole?

    You must consult your doctor before taking vitamins with the drug, as it may potentially cause interference.

16. Can Metronidazole Change Urine Color?

    Yes, it is known to result in urine of a darker colour sometimes.

17. Is metronidazole bad for your liver?

    Liver damage with this drug is rare, but there is a possibility.

18. Can metronidazole cause sore throat?

    Yes, you must consult your doctor immediately if you experience soreness in the throat.

19. Should I stop taking metronidazole If I have side effects?

    If you have any side effects, you must consult your doctor immediately. Continue or discontinue treatment based on their recommendation.

20. What class of antibiotic is metronidazole?

    Metronidazole belongs to the nitroimidazole class of antibiotics.