Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiparasitic drug classified as a nitroimidazole. It inhibits nucleic acid synthesis and is used for the treatment of infections involving anaerobic bacteria as well as protozoal infections.

Conditions it is useful in include: giardiasis, amoebiasis, Trichomonas vaginalis infections, bacterial vaginosis, pseudomembranous colitis, Helicobacter pylori infections, and acne rosacea.

Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl, Metryl, Protostat, Satric, and Neo-Tric.

Side effects

Metronidazole tastes very bitter, and can cause headaches. Long term or high dosage administration of metronidazole can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which often manifests itself as a tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes. Patients who experience neuropathy should stop taking the drug and immediately contact their physician. Patients taking metronidazole must avoid consuming alcohol in any form (including cough syrup), as it will react badly with the medication, leading to severe nausea and cramping. Another common side effect is the darkening of the urine. Patients should drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. Patients taking metronidazole have also reported loss of appetite and mild nausea. Forcing oneself to eat, despite lack of appetite and fatigue, may reduce the nausea.