Metronidazole (Antibotics)
Metronidazole is the generic name for an antibiotic, known by the brand name Flagyl. It treats a long list of conditions, including infections, giardiasis, and colitis.
Conditions Metronidazole Treats
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that treats a wide variety of infections. Just a shortlist of the conditions treated by this pharmaceutical include:
- Amebiasis
- Anaerobic bacterial infection
- Bacterial infection
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Colitis
- Colorectal surgical infection
- Crohn's Disease
- Dental abscesses
- Gardnerella infection
- Giardiasis
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Infected gums
- Mouth infections
- Nongonococcal urethritis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Perioral dermatitis
- Prophylaxis
- Rosacea
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Skin infections
- Trichomoniasis
Metronidazole Side Effects
As with many prescription medications, Metronidazole comes with a few side effects. These side effects may last for a few days to weeks and are often very mild. The most common side effects of Metronidazole include:
- Blisters
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Inability to urinate
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mouth ulcers
- Painful urination
- Red/swollen gums
- Vertigo
- Weakness
Some patients experience more serious neurological side effects. If you experience any of these side effects with taking metronidazole, call your doctor immediately.
Serious neurological side effects include:
- Burning in hands or feet
- Confusion
- Difficult comprehension
- Difficulty seeing
- Difficulty speaking
- Fever
- Light sensitivity
- Muscle weakness
- Neck stiffness
- Numbness
- Pain behind eyes
- Seizures
- Tingling
Metronidazole Interactions
Metronidazole is taken orally by children and adults by capsule, tablet, extended-release tablet, or infusion solution.
This drug may also interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you’re currently taking any medications, supplements, or herbs, especially:
- Blood thinners
- Busulfan
- Cimetidine
- Lithium
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Warfarin
Taking these drugs with Metronidazole may increase the risk of side effects. Many of these drugs lead to increased levels of Metronidazole (and possibly higher levels of other drugs) in your body.