Metronidazole - antiprotozoal and antimicrobial (antibiotic) is used to treat infections, particularly active against Helicobacter pylori. Metronidazole is produced in the form of a cream, gel, solution for oral administration, suppositories, tablets and solution for infusion.

Metronidazole is effective against anaerobic bacteria against pathogens, in particular against Bacteroides and fuzobakterii. Anaerobic bacteria cause a variety of infections, including peritonitis, abscesses bryushnoypolosti and liver; endometritis, abscesses of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, pneumonia, lung abscess, meningitis Meningitis - an inflammation of the meninges ; skin infection; bone and other infections. Metronidazole also taken to prevent infections after gynecological surgery and abdominal surgery.

Indications of metronidazole

Metronidazole is indicated for use in the following cases:

• for the treatment of protozoal infections: extra-intestinal amoebiasis, intestinal amebiasis, trichomoniasis, giardiazisa, balantidiasis, giardiasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, Trichomonas vaginitis Trichomonas urethritis;
• for the treatment of infections caused by bacteroids: infections of bones and joints, central nervous system (meningitis, abscess Abscess - why it is so dangerous ulcers?   brain, bacterial endocarditis, pneumonia, empyema and lung abscess, sepsis);
• for the treatment of infections caused by clostridia: abdominal infections (peritonitis, liver abscess), infections of the pelvis (endometritis, abscess of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, infections of the vaginal vault);
• for the treatment of pseudomembranous colitis (associated with use of antibiotics);
• for the treatment of gastritis or duodenal ulcer associated with Helicobacter pylori;
• for the prevention of postoperative complications (especially during gynecological operations);
• radiation therapy of patients with tumors.

Before taking metronidazole

Before taking metronidazole, be sure to tell your doctor:

• about liver or kidney dialysis to stay;
• pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breast-feeding;
• of alcohol dependence Alcohol addiction - for no reason, no reason not arise ;
• the presence of porphyria, a rare blood disease;
• about all medications, including non-prescription, homeopathic remedies and nutritional supplements that you are taking;
• Allergic reactions to metronidazole or any other medicine.

How to take metronidazole

Before taking metronidazole read the instructions in the insert.

Take metronidazole in full compliance with the doctor's instructions on the packaging.

Take metronidazole at regular intervals until the completion of the full course. Do not interrupt course of treatment even if you feel better.

Take metronidazole tablets during or after meal with plenty of water. Swallow the tablet whole without chewing.

If you forget about taking the drug, Meridia, take the missed dose as soon as you remember about it. If the close time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and comply with the treatment schedule. Do not take extra dose to compensate missed.

How to apply metronidazole suppositories

• Remove suppository (anal candle) from the packaging.
• Insert the suppository easier if you sit down or bend forward.
• Use your finger to gently push the suppository as deeply as possible into the rectum, pointed end forward.
• For some time do not move to the suppository was fixed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

Side effects of metronidazole

Side effects of metronidazole are individual; the following side effects are observed not in all cases:

• diarrhea;
• decreased appetite;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• intestinal cramps;
• constipation;
• dryness and metallic taste in the mouth;
• stomatitis;
• pancreatitis;
• dizziness;
• incoordination;
• confusion;
• irritability;
• depression;
• irritability;
• weakness;
• sleeplessness;
• headache;
• convulsions;
• hallucinations;
• an allergic reaction (hives, skin rash, skin flushing, nasal congestion, fever);
• dysuria;
• cystitis;
• polyuria;
• urinary incontinence;
• candidiasis;
• thrombophlebitis (pain, redness or swelling at the injection site);
• neutropenia Neutropenia - immunity under attack ;
• leukopenia.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Since metronidazole is found in relatively high concentrations in breast milk, its reception is contraindicated for nursing mothers. It is also recommended to avoid the possibility of receiving metronidazole in the first trimester of pregnancy, as its effect on embryo development are poorly understood.

Metronidazole - broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of infections. This drug - nitroimidazole derivative, it has antiprotozoal and antibacterial action. The mechanism of action of metronidazole is in the biochemical reduction of 5-nitro group of metronidazole which interacts with the cellular DNA of microorganisms by inhibiting synthesis of nucleic acids, which leads to the destruction of pathogens.

Metronidazole is not used to treat viral infections (eg, common cold and flu). Unreasonably frequent use of metronidazole leads to the formation of addiction and reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Metronidazole possesses a high penetrating power, achieving bactericidal concentrations in most tissues and body fluids, including the lungs, kidneys, liver, skin, cerebrospinal fluid, brain, bile, saliva, amniotic fluid, abscess cavity, vaginal secretions, semen, breast milk. In normal bile concentration of metronidazole in bile after intravenous administration can significantly exceed the concentration of metronidazole in the blood plasma.

Dosing metronidazole tablets

Metronidazole tablets should be taken with food, drinking water or milk to prevent stomach upset. Dosage depends on the disease, the treatment of which it is applied, the type of infection, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient.

Premature discontinuation of metronidazole tablets leads to the bacteria / protozoa continue to grow, and after a while the symptoms reappear. You should also take medicine strictly a specified interval. Be sure to tell your doctor about how the treatment has improved or worsened your condition.

Side effects while taking metronidazole

Common side effects occurring in the treatment of metronidazole:

• nausea;
• headache;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• pains and stomach cramps;
• reduction or loss of appetite;
• constipation;
• dryness and metallic taste in the mouth;
• stomatitis;
• dizziness;
• incoordination;
• peripheral neuropathy;
• hyperexcitability, irritability Irritability - you try to control my temper ;
• depression;
• sleep disturbance Dreams: how to understand our dreams , Drowsiness, weakness;
• cystitis;
• pain when urinating.

If any of the above symptoms persist for a long time, report it immediately to your doctor.

Note that a doctor is well aware of the possible side effects of metronidazole, and if you ordered it yet, so it is necessary, and its effectiveness is greatly outweigh the disadvantages of the drug. In addition, side effects appear not all who take metronidazole.

Also tell your doctor immediately about the occurrence of these serious side effects (fortunately, they are very rare)

• pain in the eyes;
• strong and / or relentless headaches;
• sudden vision loss;
• neck pain;
• a sore throat;
• fever;
• sudden bleeding / bruising;
• stomach cramps;
• nausea and vomiting for a long time.

Frequent reception of tablets of metronidazole or metronidazole treatment for a long time can lead to the development of oral or vaginal fungal infection. Therefore, seeing white patches in the mouth, unusual vaginal discharge Vaginal discharge Or other unusual symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The manifestation of a severe allergic reaction to metronidazole is unlikely, but possible. Its symptoms: skin rash, itching, hives, dizziness, nasal congestion, fever. When these symptoms as soon as possible to see a doctor.

Before taking metronidazole, tell your doctor if prone to allergies, especially on components of metronidazole or other nitroimidazole drugs, such as tinidazole. The metronidazole composition includes inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or have other complications.

Also tell your doctor about chronic and other illnesses that you are suffering, especially on the liver, central nervous system (eg epilepsy), the circulatory system, and Crohn's disease.

In the treatment with metronidazole and for 72 hours after the end can not drink alcohol, as a result of oxidation of ethanol can accumulate aldehyde that will lead to serious indigestion and stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches and fever.

Due to the possibility of dizziness Dizziness - if the ground is slipping from under his feet   while taking the drug should use caution in patients whose activities require increased attention and psychomotor speed reactions.

The probability of side effects while taking metronidazole is higher in the elderly.