Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It is used to treat infections of the stomach, intestines, pelvic area, genital tract, skin, lungs, blood, brain, and bones.
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.
Use Metronidazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Suppositories are usually given when you are not able to swallow oral medication. It will be replaced with an oral Metronidazole therapy as soon as you are well enough to swallow a tablet or capsule.
Metronidazole suppository is to be inserted into the rectum. Do not eat, chew, or swallow it. Do not use it in any other way. Try to go to the toilet before you insert the suppository.
To use the suppository, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Remove the suppository from the foil wrapper.
- If you are right-handed, lie on your left side and pull your right knee up towards your chest.
- Gently insert the suppository with the pointed end first into your rectum. Gently push the suppository as far as it would go.
- Remain lying in this position for 10-15 minutes to allow the suppository to melt. If you feel that the suppository is slipping out, press your buttocks together. The suppository must remain in the rectum so that the medicine can be absorbed.
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.
You must complete the entire course of medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Administer 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 administer your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use 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).
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.
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 using Metronidazole.
For as long as you are using 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 use 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 or using 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 using 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.
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