Metronidazole Oral

Metronidazole eliminates bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, vagina, and other areas of the body. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Metronidazole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day for 5-10 days or longer. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metronidazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Metronidazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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vomiting</li>
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diarrhea</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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dry mouth; sharp, unpleasant metallic taste</li>
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dark or reddish-brown urine</li>
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furry tongue; mouth or tongue irritation</li>
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numbness or tingling of hands or feet</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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rash</li>
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itching</li>
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stuffy nose</li>
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fever</li>
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joint pain</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking metronidazole, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metronidazole or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), astemizole (Hismanal), disulfiram (Antabuse), lithium (Lithobid), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had blood, kidney, or liver disease or Crohn's disease. know that you should not drink alcohol while taking this drug. Alcohol may cause an upset stomach, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, sweating, and flushing (redness of the face). plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Metronidazole may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.