Metronidazole - an antibiotic of nitroimidazoles that is used to treat certain bacterial and protozoal infections that affect the oral cavity, gut, bone, and urogenital system. It is also used to prevent infections that can develop after surgery. In addition, metronidazole is widely used to treat infections in some animals.

Indications

Some of the indications for use of metronidazole are:

• Trichomoniasis;
• Amebiasis. Metronidazole is indicated for the acute intestinal amebiasis, and liver abscess caused by amoebas. In the latter case, in addition to medical treatment required drainage of an abscess;
• Peritonitis;
• Skin infections caused by a bacteria such as B. fragilis, Clostridium, Peptococcus niger;
• Gynecological infections, including - endometritis, endomyometritis, tubo-ovarian abscess, and post-surgical vaginal infections;
• Bacterial sepsis;
• Infections of the bone and joints;
• Central nervous system infections, including meningitis and brain abscess;
• Lower respiratory tract infections;
• Endocarditis.

To reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, metronidazole should be used only in cases where there are substantial grounds to believe that the infection is caused by bacteria in a patient who really can be destroyed by this drug.

Contraindications and precautions

Metronidazole should not be used if the patient has:

• Allergy or hypersensitivity to metronidazole, or other ingredients (including - inactive);
• Diseases of the central nervous system;
• Liver disease.

Taking metronidazole during pregnancy

Metronidazole crosses the placenta and penetrates quickly into the bloodstream of the fetus. Experiments on rats have shown that high doses of metronidazole (up to five times higher than those usually prescribed for people) do not cause harm to the fetus. Only in one study following intraperitoneal administration of metronidazole to pregnant laboratory mice in several animal fetal death occurred, but it is not clear how this relates to the use of drugs. However, because it is quite extensive and well-controlled studies of the drug in pregnant women were not conducted, and the results of tests on animals does not always give a clear picture of how the drug will act on the person, metronidazole is prescribed to pregnant women only if absolutely necessary. For example, it is used for the treatment of trichomoniasis during pregnancy in cases where other drugs have failed.

Taking metronidazole during lactation

In the breast milk of women receiving metronidazole, the drug contained in almost the same concentration as in the blood plasma. Therefore, a woman and her doctor would have to make a choice: give up breastfeeding Breastfeeding: notes Or choose another drug.

Aged people

When an elderly person disrupted liver, this may result in that metronidazole is excreted too slowly, resulting in an increased risk of side effects.

Children

To date, the effectiveness and safety of children metronidazole proved only for cases of amebiasis.

Patients are advised to abstain from alcohol while taking metronidazole and for at least two days after the end of treatment.

In some cases, metronidazole can badly affect the concentration of listening and reaction speed, so for at least a day after starting this drug to patients is not recommended to drive or perform any work with the technique. During this time the patient can understand how the drug works on him.

How to take metronidazole

The exact dose of metronidazole is dependent on the patient's diagnosis, general health and other factors. Metronidazole is recommended to drink a full glass of water or milk; it can also be taken with food - plenty of fluids and food to help prevent stomach upset. Antibiotics are most effective if the level of active substances in the body is permanent, so it is important to take metronidazole at regular intervals.

Take the medicine for as long as the doctor said, even if the infection symptoms disappear after a couple of days. If you finish receiving metronidazole too soon, bacteria can begin to multiply again, which can cause a relapse, as well as the development of antibiotic resistance.

Tell your doctor if a few days after the beginning of treatment you do not notice improvement, or if infection symptoms worsen.

Drug Interactions

The following drugs can interact with metronidazole:

• 5-fluorouracil;
• Busulfan;
• Cyclosporine;
• Disulfiram;
• Lithium;
• Phenobarbital;
• Phenytoin;
• Warfarin.

Tell your doctor if you are taking these or any other drugs, as well as vitamin supplements or herbs.

Side effects

The most common side effects of metronidazole are:

• Abdominal pain;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Itching in the vagina and / or unusual vaginal discharge;
• Dry mouth or an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth If metallic taste in the mouth: reasons and ways to get rid of ;
• Coughing, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose.

The following side effects are rare, but when they occur you should immediately contact your doctor:

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet;
• White patches or sores in the mouth or on the lips;
• Pain or burning during urination;
• Diarrhea - cal very liquid, it may be present traces of blood;
• Problems with vision, eye pain;
• Impaired concentration, slurred speech, sudden changes in mood or behavior, tremors, convulsions;
• Fever, chills, muscle aches, confusion, headache, sore throat, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting;
• Extensive skin rashes Rash: Classification - primary and secondary elements , Swelling of face and tongue, burning of the eyes.