Follow directions on the product label, information guide, and provided by your doctor before using
Metronidazole. Use this
medicine as per your doctor's instructions.
Metronidazole is used with or after food. Metronidazole should be swallowed with water. It should not be chewed.
The typical adult dose of Metronidazole is 750 mg three times daily orally for 5 to 10 days. The typical dose for children is 35 to 50 mg/kg/24 hours or 15.9 to 22.7 mg/lb/kg/24 hours, orally for 10 days divided into three doses. The maximum dose for adults of
Metronidazole is 2000 mg per day. This medicine is commonly used for a period of 7 days for
trichomoniasis, 5-10 days for amebiasis, 7-10 days for anaerobic bacterial infections, 5-7 days for bacterial
vaginosis, 3-10 days for
giardiasis, 3 days for acute ulcerative
gingivitis, 3-7 days for acute dental infections, 7 days for leg
ulcers and pressure sores, and 7-14 days for eradication of Helicobacter pylori.
This medicine should be used on an
as-needed basis. Infections of the bone and joint, endocardium, and lower respiratory tract may require longer treatment. You should continue to use this medicine as directed by the doctor even if you feel well.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. Talk to your doctor if stomach
pain, abnormally low weight,
nausea, vomiting,
fever, feeling of discomfort,
fatigue, yellowing of the skin, dark urine, and discolored
stools or
itching. If you have issues with the health of your liver, For patients with severe liver damage (Child-Pugh C), the dose of Metronidazole should be reduced by 50%.
To see the impact of Metronidazole on the body, your doctor may recommend a lower initial dose. Please follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Older patients may see an increase in the risk of
side-effects. Hence, a lower dose may be recommended.
If you are giving
Metronidazole to a child, be sure to use a product that is meant for use in children. Before giving this medicine, use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the leaflet or product package. You can also read the
dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.
To decrease the possibility of side-effects, you might be recommended to use the extended-release form of this
medicine by your doctor. The extended-release medicine helps in maintaining a steady level of the medicine in your body for a longer period of time. Do not crush or chew the medicine, unless indicated on the package or by your doctor.
Metronidazole is intended for intravenous (into the veins) use only. Metronidazole is to be given slowly by intravenous drip infusion only, either as a constant or periodic infusion. Intravenous admixtures comprising Metronidazole and other drugs should be avoided. Metronidazole Injection, USP is a ready-to-use isotonic solution. There is no requirement of dilution or buffering and do not refrigerate the injection.
Your doctor may require that certain tests be performed before using Metronidazole. The doctor may ask you to have
Antibiotic Susceptibility test. This test helps the doctor in selecting an appropriate antibacterial drug for starting the therapy. Your doctor may request liver function test test. Liver function tests must be done just before to the start of treatment, throughout and after the end of treatment until liver function is within average ranges, or till the baseline values are achieved. Metronidazole should be discontinued if the liver function tests become markedly raised during treatment.
Medicines may be given for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not use
Metronidazole for symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Metronidazole to others who may have similar symptoms as you. Self-medication can cause harm.
Store
Metronidazole below 25°C (77°F), away from excess heat and moisture, and protect from light. Keep this
medicine away from children and
pets.