Metronidazole

Brand(s)

Manufacturer

• Abbott Laboratories

Disease(s)

• Infections

Metronidazole tablet

What is this medicine?

METRONIDAZOLE is an antiinfective. This medicine is used to treat many kinds of infections, like respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal, and bone and joint infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia or other blood disorders
• disease of the nervous system
• fungal or yeast infection
• if you drink alcohol containing drinks
• liver disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• alcohol or any product that contains alcohol
• amprenavir oral solution
• disulfiram
• paclitaxel injection
• ritonavir oral solution
• sertraline oral solution
• sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim injection

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• cimetidine
• lithium
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking this medicine and for three days afterward. Alcohol may make you feel dizzy, sick, or flushed.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• confusion, clumsiness
• dark or white patches in the mouth
• fever, infection
• numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hands or feet
• pain when passing urine
• seizures
• unusually weak or tired
• vaginal irritation or discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• headache
• metallic taste
• nausea
• stomach pain or cramps

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.