What Is Metronidazole?
There are so many types of infections that can haunt us and invade our bodies causing health trouble. Out of these, you cannot rule out the variants of bacterial infections that cause a nuisance to our health.
Different bacteria harm our health and infect almost any part of the body you can think of. Metronidazole is among the antibacterial medicines that can fight off different bacteria and their health issues.
To use this medicine, go to a doctor first and get your prescription. Now you can use the medicine since you have the details of the dose, caution measures, and the tenure to use the pill.
What Is Metronidazole Used For?
Metronidazole is from the group of antibacterial pills, so without logic, it helps to cure the infections in your body that different bacteria cause only. Remember that it is in vain to use the medicine to cure any form of other fungal or viral infections.
So, if you go to a doctor and get diagnosed with infections in your-
- Reproductive system
- Gastric organs
- Skin
- Heart
- Bones
- Lungs
- Blood and
- Nervous system
A doctor will prescribe you this medicine depending on what other pills you use and after knowing your age and weight.
How It Works
The medicine, if you keep taking it each day, will provide a constant action in your body. Under its action, the bacterial cells are not able to perform their normal tasks for their survival. It thus eventually dies, and you get a cure for the infection.
What Are The Dosages Of Metronidazole?
Only let a doctor tell you the dose you should follow. To know which dose is ideal for you it is important to diagnose your condition first. Here are some of the things on which your dose will depend-
- The type of bacterial issue you are having and its severity.
- Your age
- Weight
- Health condition and if there are any other health problems.
Based on this a doctor can tell you to use a dose only one time a day if the type of infection is mild. But if it is too severe then they can tell you to use the pill up to 4 times a day. Remember that both adults and children can use Metronidazole.
For the children, as we shall soon find out, it is available in an oral suspension form, and for the adults, it comes in the form of a swallowing tablet. Your dose duration will also depend on the factors that we have told you above. Most of the time, however, you can find a cure for the infection within a few weeks of using the medicine.
How Should I Take Metronidazole?
To take Metronidazole you must know which form of the dose to use. For example, for children, it is better to use oral suspension because it is easier to administer it to them. A doctor can tell your child to use this medication once they are about a few years old. The oral suspension form because it is mixed in water is diluted to help suit the body of the children.
Shake the bottle well, pour out the fluid on a spoon, and administer it to your children. For a swallowing pill, you only need to gulp down the pill with water.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Metronidazole?
At times, only some mild side effects can occur, but these eventually go away with time too. These only occur because your body needs time to adjust to the effects of the medication.
But if you see any side effects lasting for a long time you need to tell the doctor. They can help readjust the dose to make it suitable for your health.
Let us now give you a list of side effects we have come up with after consulting with many patients-
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Dry mouth
- Feeling tired and sleepy
- Dry mouth with a pungent taste
- Irritation or burning sensation in the tongue.
What Special Precautions Should I Follow?
Tell your doctor about any other infections that you are suffering. Also, do not forget to show your existing prescriptions to let the doctors know what other medicines you are using right now.
Apart from medicines interacting with Metronidazole, even supplements may have the same effect so tell the doctor if you are using any form of supplements.
Tell the doctor about other disorders such as kidney disorders, liver issues, or severe anxiety and depression with sleep problems.
A pregnant woman must not try to use the medicine while pregnant. Even if you become pregnant while using the medicine stop using the medicines anymore and tell the doctor.
Try to avoid any form of habit addictive substances such as cocaine and narcotic drugs as these increase the chances of side effects.
What Else Should I Know About Metronidazole?
You have to keep using the medicine even if your symptoms improve within a couple of days of using the medicine. Do not try to change the dose, especially increasing the dose without the consent of the doctors.
FAQ
What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose?
You can still take the medicine, however, just make sure that you delay the next dose by the same time.
How Should I Store Metronidazole?
To store, you need to find an area in your house with low humidity and heat.
What If I Miss A Dose?
Missing too many doses during your course may not help cure the infection totally as there is a chance of replacement.
Is It Safe To Buy Metronidazole Online?
Only trust reputed pharmacists while buying any prescription medicine.
Should Metronidazole Be Taken With Food?
It is a good idea to use the medicine before any meal. However, if you get issues like vomiting, try taking the medicine with a one-hour break after taking the meal.
What Foods Should You Avoid While Taking Metronidazole?
Some food items that you can avoid while using this medicine are bananas, avocadoes, cheese, sausage, and others.