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What does it do?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent bacterial infections.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had a seizure.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take metronidazole regularly as directed. You can take it with or without food. Keep taking it until the course is finished, even if you start to feel better.
Tablet: Take with a glass of water.
Liquid: Measure carefully with an oral syringe or measuring spoon. Shake the bottle well before measuring each dose.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with metronidazole including:

  • medicines containing alcohol (e.g. some cough mixtures)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Seizures

Changes in vision

Tell your doctor immediately

Confusion, drowsiness or weakness

Numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes

Tell your doctor

Vaginal itch or discharge (vaginal thrush)

Small white sores in mouth, furry tongue (oral thrush)

Tell your health professional

Headache

Loss of appetite, metallic taste

Tell your doctor if troublesome

Stomach upset

Take with food and tell your doctor if symptoms continue

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole, and for 24 hours after stopping. This combination may cause severe nausea and vomiting, facial flushing and headache.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed