Metronidazolas

Metronidazole is the generic form of Flagyl, an antibiotic and antiprotozoal effective against anaerobic bacteria and parasites including Giardia, Trichomonas, and Entamoeba. Generic metronidazole is bioequivalent to branded Flagyl and is available in tablets, suspension, suppositories, and intravenous formulations.

How to Take Metronidazole

Take metronidazole with or after food to reduce the chance of stomach upset. Always complete the full course, even if your symptoms improve before it is finished. Stopping early risks the infection returning. For most bacterial infections and bacterial vaginosis, courses are typically five to seven days.

Avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose. Drinking alcohol while taking metronidazole can cause an unpleasant reaction (flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and headache). This is not just a mild warning, the reaction can be quite severe.

400 mg two to three times daily for most infections. Duration depends on the infection type, typically 5 to 14 days.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Metallic or bitter taste in the mouth (very common)
• Headache
• Dark or reddish-brown urine (harmless, caused by the medication)
• Diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort

These effects are usually mild and clear up once the course is finished. Rarely, with prolonged use, metronidazole can cause tingling or numbness in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy). Tell your doctor if you notice persistent sensory changes.

Avoid alcohol during and for 48 hours after treatment due to disulfiram-like reaction. Prolonged courses may rarely cause peripheral neuropathy.

Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other nitroimidazoles.