Bacterial Vaginosis treatment Metronidazole
What is Metronidazole?
Metronidazole, an antibiotic, is used in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV). These tablets work by eliminating the bacteria responsible for the vaginal infection.
What is Metronidazole used to treat?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It works by eliminating bacteria and parasites responsible for infections throughout the body. Metronidazole is prescribed for various purposes, including:
treating infections in the blood, brain, lungs, bones, genital tract, pelvic area, stomach, and intestines
addressing gum ulcers and other dental infections
managing infected leg ulcers and pressure sores
preventing infections post-surgery
Research shows that metronidazole has a success rate of over 90% in treating BV. Typically, you should experience improvement within a few days of initiating metronidazole treatment. It's important to complete the prescribed course, even if feeling better, to ensure effective and thorough treatment.
Who can and cannot use medicines containing Metronidazole?
Metronidazole is suitable for most people. However, it is not suitable for everyone.
Avoid taking metronidazole tablets if:
you are allergic (hypersensitive) to metronidazole, nitroimidazoles (e.g. tinidazole), or any other of the ingredients
Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Warnings and precautions:
Prior to taking metronidazole tablets, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you have had or currently have a liver problem, undergo kidney dialysis, or have a nervous system disorder.
Cases of severe liver toxicity/acute liver failure, including fatal outcomes, have been reported with metronidazole in patients with Cockayne syndrome. If affected by Cockayne syndrome, your doctor should monitor your liver function frequently during and after treatment.
Inform your doctor and cease metronidazole if you experience stomach pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fever, malaise, fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, or itching.
Interaction with other medicines:
Inform your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinning agents) like warfarin, lithium for mental illness, medicines for epilepsy (phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbital), 5-fluorouracil for cancer, busulfan for leukaemia, ciclosporin for organ transplant rejection prevention, or disulfiram for alcoholism.
Metronidazole tablets and consumption of food and drink:
Refrain from consuming alcohol while taking metronidazole and for 48 hours after completing the course. Alcohol consumption during metronidazole use may lead to unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, hot flushes, rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), and headache.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Inform your doctor before using metronidazole if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suspect pregnancy. Metronidazole should not be taken during pregnancy unless deemed absolutely necessary.
If breastfeeding, it is advisable to avoid using metronidazole as small amounts may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines:
While taking metronidazole, you may experience drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or temporary eyesight problems (blurred or double vision). If any of these effects occur, refrain from driving or operating machinery or tools.
What form does Metronidazole come in?
Metronidazole is available in various forms, including oral tablets, topical creams, and gels. The specific form and dosage depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated.
Metronidazole 400mg tablets contain 400mg of the active ingredient metronidazole. The tablets may be different shape, colour and sizes depending on the manufacturer of the specific tablet.
Bacterial vaginosis medicines
