what is metronidazole used for

What is the most important information I should know about metronidazole?
• Take all of the metronidazole that has been prescribed for you even ifyou begin to feel better what is metronidazole used for. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infectionis completely treated what is metronidazole used for.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole what is metronidazole used for. Flushing, fast heartbeats,nausea, and vomiting may occur when alcohol is ingested during metronidazoletherapy what is metronidazole used for.

What is metronidazole?
• Metronidazole is an antibiotic what is metronidazole used for. It fights bacteria in your body what is metronidazole used for.
• Metronidazole is used to treat infections such as abdominal infections,skin and tissue infections, bone and joint infections, gynecologic infections,and respiratory tract infections what is metronidazole used for.
• Metronidazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed inthis medication guide what is metronidazole used for.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metronidazole?
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
· liver disease,
· a stomach or intestinal disease, or
· epilepsy or another seizure disorder what is metronidazole used for.
• You may not be able to take metronidazole, or you may require a lowerdose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of these conditions what is metronidazole used for.
• Metronidazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B what is metronidazole used for. This means that itis not likely to harm an unborn baby what is metronidazole used for. Do not, however, take metronidazole withoutfirst talking to your doctor if you are pregnant what is metronidazole used for.
• Metronidazole passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant what is metronidazole used for. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you arebreast-feeding a baby what is metronidazole used for.

How should I take metronidazole?
• Take metronidazole exactly as directed by your doctor what is metronidazole used for. If you do notunderstand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explainthem to you what is metronidazole used for.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water what is metronidazole used for.
• Take all of the metronidazole that has been prescribed for you even ifyou begin to feel better what is metronidazole used for. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infectionis completely treated what is metronidazole used for.
• Store metronidazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat what is metronidazole used for.

What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember what is metronidazole used for. Take the rest of the day'sdoses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor what is metronidazole used for.

What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention what is metronidazole used for.
• Symptoms of a metronidazole overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness,loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, and seizures what is metronidazole used for.

What should I avoid while taking metronidazole?
• Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole what is metronidazole used for. Flushing, fast heartbeats,nausea, and vomiting may occur when alcohol is ingested during metronidazoletherapy what is metronidazole used for.
• Be aware of the alcohol content of other products such as cough and coldmedicines what is metronidazole used for. Alcohol in these products can also cause a reaction what is metronidazole used for.

What are the possible side effects of metronidazole?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop takingmetronidazole and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortnessof breath; closing of your throat; or hives);
· seizures;
· numbness or tingling;
· dizziness or loss of coordination; or
· severe diarrhea what is metronidazole used for.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur what is metronidazole used for. Continueto take metronidazole and talk to your doctor if you experience
· darkening of your urine;
· nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
· an unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth;
· constipation or mild diarrhea;
· headache; or
· swollen or sore tongue what is metronidazole used for.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur what is metronidazole used for. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome what is metronidazole used for.

What other drugs will affect metronidazole?
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking anyof the following medicines:
· a barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), amobarbital(Amytal), or secobarbital (Seconal) what is metronidazole used for. These medicines may decrease the effectsof metronidazole what is metronidazole used for.
· warfarin (Coumadin) what is metronidazole used for. Bleeding may occur if metronidazole and warfarinare used together what is metronidazole used for.
· phenytoin (Dilantin) what is metronidazole used for. Phenytoin may cause dangerous side effects whentaken with metronidazole what is metronidazole used for.
· lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others) what is metronidazole used for. Lithium may also cause dangerousside effects when taken with metronidazole what is metronidazole used for.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with metronidazole what is metronidazole used for. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines what is metronidazole used for.

Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about metronidazole writtenfor health professionals that you may read what is metronidazole used for.

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