Metronidazole: Recurrent Symptoms and Longer Courses

• This medicine is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria or parasites, such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, giardiasis, and amebiasis, as well as some serious infections deep in the body.

• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
• You can take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with food may help if it upsets your stomach.
• Try to take your doses at evenly spaced times through the day to keep a steady amount of medicine in your body.
• Finish the entire course of medicine, even if you start feeling better before it is done.

If you miss a dose

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy. This medicine is generally avoided in early pregnancy.
• This medicine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional about the safest way to feed your baby during treatment.

• Tell your doctor or another healthcare professional if you have ever had an allergic reaction to metronidazole or similar medicines.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a nerve or seizure disorder, a blood disorder, an underactive thyroid, or an underactive adrenal gland.
• Tell your doctor if you have a rare genetic condition called Cockayne syndrome, as this medicine must not be used in that case.
• Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, since several can interact with this one.

Important warnings

• Severe skin reactions have been reported with this medicine. Stop taking it and get medical help right away if you develop a rash, blistering, or peeling skin.
• Serious liver problems, including liver failure, have been reported rarely, especially in people with Cockayne syndrome or when this medicine is combined with other antibiotics.
• Nerve-related problems, such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or seizures, have been reported, especially with high doses or long-term use.
• Some people have developed mood changes, including thoughts of suicide, while taking this medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol during treatment or for at least one day after finishing, as it can cause flushing, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat.

• Feeling sick to your stomach.
• A metallic or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Stomach pain or cramps.
• Headache.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Dry mouth.
• A coated or discoloured tongue.
• Darker than normal urine — this is harmless.

When to get emergency help

• A severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling skin.
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.
• A seizure.
• Sudden confusion, unsteady walking, or slurred speech.
• Thoughts of harming yourself.

When to contact a healthcare professional

• If you notice numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet.
• If you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes or unusual tiredness, which could point to a liver problem.
• If you develop a fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection while taking this medicine.
• If your symptoms do not improve, or come back after you finish treatment.

• Do not drink alcohol or use products containing alcohol while taking this medicine and for at least one day after your last dose.
• Tell the Care365 care team about all medicines you take, especially blood thinners like warfarin, lithium, seizure medicines, and a medicine called disulfiram, which should never be combined with this medicine.
• This medicine can be taken with or without food.

• Store this medicine at room temperature and protect it from light.
• Keep it out of reach of children.
• Return any leftover or expired tablets to your pharmacy for safe disposal.