Metronidazole (metronidazole): function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Metronidazole (Metronidazole) What Drug?

Benefits and uses of the drug metronidazole (metronidazole)

Metronidazole (metronidazole) is an antibiotic for treating various bacterial infections, which belong to the class of antibiotics nitroimidazoles. The way the drug metronidazole works is to stop the growth of bacteria and protozoa.

This antibiotic will not be able to treat viral infections such as fever and influenza. Taking antibiotics carelessly puts you at risk of resistance later in the day, making them ineffective in treating the infection. Use this medication according to your doctor's instructions.

This antibiotic can also be used in combination with drugs to treat certain types of stomach ailments.

How are the rules for taking metronidazole (metronidazole)?

You can take this medicine at the same time as food or milk to avoid nausea. The dose of metronidazole will usually be adjusted according to your health condition and your body's response to treatment.

Like other antibiotics, this drug works best if you take it regularly at the same time every day. That way, the numbers in the body will remain stable.

It is recommended that you take this drug in a balanced period of time. That is, do not drink it at intervals that are too tight or too far.

Take this drug until it runs out according to the consumption period prescribed by your doctor. Stopping taking medication prematurely increases the risk of the infection returning due to the development of bacteria and protozoa in the body. Follow your doctor's instructions when taking this medication.

If your health condition does not improve, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I store metronidazole (metronidazole)?

Metronidazole is a drug that must be stored at room temperature. Keep this medication away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your product.

Metronidazole (Metronidazole) Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of metronidazole (metronidazole) for adults?

For people with anaerobic bacterial infections, the dosage of metronidazole is:

Infusion

• 500 mg in 100 ml (5mg / ml preparation) at a rate of 5ml / minute every 8 hours. Or, 15 mg / kg body weight (intravenously) in 1 hour, followed by 7.5 mg / kg body weight in 1 hour, repeated every 6 hours. Switch to oral preparations immediately.
• Maximum dose: 4 g / day

Oral

• The initial dose is 800 mg, followed by 400 mg every 8 hours. Or, 7.5 mg / kg body weight every 6-8 hours.
• Maximum dose: 4 g / day
• The duration of treatment is usually 7 days, but depends on the severity of the infection.

For adults with amebiasis, the dosage of metronidazole is:

• Intestinal infections: 800 mg, three times daily for 5 days
• Extra-intestinal infection: 800 mg, three times daily for 5-10 days
• Maximum dose: 2.4 g / day

For adults with pseudomembranous disease, the dose of metronidazole is:

• Colitis: mild to moderate clostridium difficile infection (CDI): 500 mg 3 times daily
• Severe CDI, complications: infusion of 500 mg every 8 hours

For adults ahead of prophylaxis surgery, the dosage of metronidazole is:

• Initial dose before surgery: 500 mg before surgery and repeated every 8 hours. Or 15 mg / kg body weight infusion for 30-60 minutes and finished about 1 hour before surgery
• Postoperative dose: infusion of 7.5 mg / kg body weight for 30-60 minutes after 6 and 12 hours of initial dose

For adults with trichomoniasis, the dosage of metronidazole is:

Treatment 1 day: 2 g as a single dose

7 days treatment:

• 200 mg, 3 times a day or
• 400 mg, 2 times a day

For adults with infections Helicobacter pylori , the metronidazole dosage is:

• 400 mg, 2 times a day in combination with other antibiotics, or
• 400 mg, 3 times daily, when given together with amoxicillin and omeprazole. Initial treatment is given for 1 week.

For adults with vaginal bacterial infections, the dosage of metronidazole is:

• Treatment 1 day: 2 g as a single dose
• 7 days treatment: 400 mg twice daily
• 0.75% topical gel: apply to the intravaginal area once a day or 2 times a day for 5 days

For adults with pneumonia, the dose of metronidazole is:

• Infusion, loading dose: 15 mg / kg
• Oral: 7.5 mg / kg every 6 hours

For adults with giardiasis, the dosage of metronidazole is:

• 2 g once daily for 3 days, or
• 400 mg three times daily for 5 days, or
• 500 mg twice daily for 7-10 days

What is the dose of metronidazole for children?

For children with bacterial infections, the dosage of metronidazole is:

• Infusion: 7.5 mg / kg every 8 hours
• Oral: (ages 1-10 years) 40 mg / kg in a single dose, or 15-30 mg / kg in 2-3 divided doses over 7 days. Maximum dose: 2 grams / dose

For children with amebiasis, the dosage of metronidazole is:

• Age 1- 3 years: 100-200 mg three times a day
• 3 - 7 years: 100-200 mg four times a day
• 7-10 years: 200-400 mg three times a day
• Given for 5-10 days

For children with trichomoniasis, the dosage of metronidazole is:

• Oral: (ages 1-10 years) 40 mg / kg in a single dose, or 15-30 mg / kg in 2-3 divided doses over 7 days. Maximum dose: 2 g / dose

For children with giardiasis, the dosage of metronidazole is:

• Ages 1-3 years: 500 mg once a day
• 3 - 7 years: 600-800 mg once daily
• 7 - 10 years: 1 gram once a day
• Given for 3 days

In what dosage is this drug available?

These drugs are available in tablet form:

• 250 mg
• 500 mg

The dosage of the drug is adjusted to the age, disease, and overall condition of the patient. There may be several doses of the drug not listed above.

If you are in doubt about the dosage of this drug, please consult a doctor for more information. Your doctor may give you a dose of medicine that suits your condition.

Metronidazole (Metronidazole) side effects

What are the side effects of metronidazole (metronidazole)?

Some of the side effects of metronidazole are:

• A hot, stinging, or stinging sensation
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Symptoms of fever
• The vagina feels itchy or vaginal
• Headache
• Dry or itchy skin
• Nausea
• Feels metal in your mouth

Seek emergency help immediately if you experience an allergic reaction after using this medicine. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of an allergic drug reaction include:

• Itchy rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Contact your doctor if you experience a severe sting or burning sensation when using topical (topical) metronidazole.

Metronidazole side effects may vary from patient to patient. So, not everyone experiences these side effects of metronidazole. There may be some side effects of metronidazole not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects of metronidazole, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using the drug metronidazole (metronidazole)?

The drug metronidazole should not be used carelessly. There are several things that are important for you to know before using this drug, including:

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to this drug or any other type of medicine.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription or nonprescription drugs you are currently taking, especially anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin), astemizole (Hismanal), disulfiram (Antabuse), lithium (Lithobid), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and vitamins.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had blood disease, impaired liver and kidney function, or Crohn's disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using this medicine, consult a doctor immediately.
• Avoid alcohol while you are using this drug. Alcohol consumption is not allowed during treatment because it can cause stomach problems, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, sweating, and flushing.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you want to do outdoor activities, wear closed clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen while using this drug. The reason is, this drug makes the skin sensitive to sunlight.

There may be other things not mentioned above. If you have other questions, please consult a doctor for more information. The doctor may provide more complete information, including the dosage, safety, and interactions of this drug.

Listen carefully to all the information explained by the doctor so that the treatment you are doing runs optimally.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This medication falls into the risk of pregnancy category B (no risk in some studies) according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), aka the drug regulatory agency in the United States.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

It is not known whether this drug passes with breast milk or harms the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with this drug?

Drug interactions can change the performance of the drugs you are taking or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Most importantly, keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist before using them. Make sure you don't start, stop, or change your dose without your doctor's approval.

Some of the drugs that may interact with the drug metronidazole include:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
• Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• Lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
• Disulfiram (Antabuse)

There may be some medicines not listed above. If you are in doubt about the interaction of this drug with other drugs that you are currently taking, please consult a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe other medications that are appropriate for your condition.

Does food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Please discuss with your doctor regarding the use of drugs that you are currently taking with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

What health conditions may interact with the drug metronidazole?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Have a history of or have problems with blood or bone narrowing
• Have a history of brain diseases such as aseptic meningitis and encephalopathy
• Optic neuropathy (eye disease with blurred vision)
• Oral thrush (yeast infection in the mouth)
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve disease with pain, numbness, or tingling sensation)
• Convulsions
• Vaginal yeast infection
• End-stage kidney disease
• Acute liver disease

There may be several health conditions not listed above. If you are in doubt about your health condition, then don't hesitate to consult a doctor.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Some of the most common symptoms of a drug overdose include:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Dizzy
• Loss of balance (fall)
• Numbness and tingling
• Seizures

There may be some signs and symptoms of a drug overdose not listed above. If you have any doubts regarding this, please consult a doctor for more information.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.