Metronidazole (Injection)

Introduction:

Metronidazole (met-roe-NYE-da-zole)

Treats infections caused by bacteria.

Brand Name(s):

Metronidazole

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
• This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose, and take the rest of your doses for the day at evenly spaced time intervals.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking barbiturates (phenobarbital, Fiorinal®, Brevital®, Mysoline®, Seconal®), Antabuse®, phenytoin (Dilantin®), or blood thinners (Coumadin®).
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking metronidazole. This includes cough syrup or any other liquid that might contain alcohol. Alcohol in combination with this medicine can make you very sick and cause vomiting, dizziness, and flushing.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
• Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, a blood disorder, heart problems, swelling or bloating, a seizure disorder (epilepsy), or numbness in your hands or feet.
• Tell your doctor or dentist you are using metronidazole before you have any kind of surgery that requires general anesthesia.
• If your infection does not improve or gets worse after taking this medicine for several days, or if you continue to have fevers, talk to your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Seizures (convulsions)
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Itching, rash, or hives
• Pain or swelling where the IV is given

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Metallic taste in your mouth
• Headache
• Dark-colored urine
• Dizziness, lightheadedness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: