Metronidazole - Oral

Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It is used to treat infections of the mouth, stomach, intestines, pelvic area, genital tract, and skin.

This medicine may also be used in combination with other antibiotics to prevent infections after a surgery.

Metronidazole may be used to treat other infections as decided by your doctor.

Take Metronidazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as a conventional tablet, extended-release tablet, capsule, or as an oral suspension.

If you are taking the conventional tablet or capsule, take it with food or immediately after a meal.

If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (usually labelled "ER"), take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.

If you are taking an oral suspension, take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before meal. Shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your prescribed dose.

Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.

Take Metronidazole at regular intervals. You must complete the entire course of medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Metronidazole if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or other similar medicine (e.g. nitroimidazole such as tinidazole).

Do not take this medicine if you have taken disulfiram (medicine used to treat alcohol dependence) in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• nervous system disorder (disease of the brain, spinal cord, or nerves)
• epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• blood disease
• Cockayne syndrome (a rare inherited disorder characterised by unusually short height, premature aging, sensitivity to sunlight, visual and hearing problems)
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Metronidazole when used to treat an infection of the genital area (trichomoniasis) may cause harm to your unborn child. If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy, inform your doctor immediately.

Do not breastfeed for 12-24 hours after taking this medicine.

If you are going for certain laboratory tests or an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Metronidazole.

For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function tests) to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

Metronidazole may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or visual impairment. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, furry tongue, metallic taste in the mouth, constipation, and ringing in the ears.

Your urine may look slightly darker in colour. This is normal while you are being treated with this medicine. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• signs and symptoms of liver disease e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• severe stomach pain which may reach through to your back
• fever, stiff neck, hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent), confusion, muscle coordination problems, difficulty in speaking

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Metronidazole if you have taken disulfiram (medicine used to treat alcohol dependence) in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for epilepsy e.g. phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin
• medicines for cancer e.g. busulfan, fluorouracil
• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• medicines for depression e.g. lithium
• medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Metronidazole.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Do not take alcoholic beverages or products while you are taking Metronidazole and for 3 days after finishing the course of your treatment.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.