Metronidazole (By injection)
met-roe-NYE-da-zole
Treats bacterial infections and prevents infections during surgery.
Drug classes
Amebicide, Extraintestinal, Amebicide, Intestinal, Antibiotic, Antiprotozoal (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Metronidazole injection is used to treat serious bacterial infections in different areas of the body. It is also used to prevent infections in the intestines before and after surgery for some patients.
Metronidazole belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Your doctor might give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you have taken disulfiram within the last 2 weeks. Do not drink alcohol or use medicine that contains alcohol or propylene glycol while using this medicine and for at least 3 days after you have finished metronidazole treatment.
Some foods and medicines can affect how metronidazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using busulfan, cimetidine, lithium, phenobarbital, phenytoin, a steroid (such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone), or warfarin or another blood thinner.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to metronidazole or similar medicines.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems, oral thrush, a yeast infection, fluid problems (edema), or a history of seizures.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Brain or nervous system problems, including seizures, meningitis, or vision problemsYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing]
Confusion, drowsiness, fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stiff neck or back
Dizziness, problems with muscle control, clumsiness, shakiness, trouble talking
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Seizures
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Flagyl I.V., Flagyl I.V. RTU, PremierPro Rx metroNIDAZOLE
There may be other brand names for this medicine.