Metronidazole – What It Does, How to Take It, and What to Watch For

If your doctor handed you a bottle of metronidazole, you probably wonder why it’s different from the usual pills. In short, it fights certain bacteria and parasites that other antibiotics miss. Doctors commonly prescribe it for infections like bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, giardiasis, and some types of skin or dental infections.

Typical Uses and Dosage

The standard adult dose is 500 mg taken two to three times a day, depending on the infection. For severe cases, doctors may bump it up to 750 mg three times daily, but they’ll tell you exactly what’s needed. Kids get a weight‑based dose, usually around 15–30 mg per kilogram each day.

Take metronidazole with food or milk if your stomach gets upset – the drug itself can be harsh on an empty belly. Finish the full course even if symptoms improve early; stopping too soon lets the bug bounce back and may cause resistance.

Possible Side Effects & Interactions

Most people tolerate metronidazole well, but a metallic taste in the mouth is common – think of chewing pennies. Nausea, headache, or mild diarrhea can happen too. If you notice dark urine, that’s harmless and just a color change from the drug.

Serious reactions are rare but worth watching for: severe rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing could signal an allergic response and need immediate medical help. Also, avoid alcohol while you’re on metronidazole and for at least 24 hours after the last dose – mixing them can cause flushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting.

Metronidazole interacts with several medicines. Blood thinners like warfarin become more potent, raising bleeding risk, so your doctor may check blood clotting levels often. It can also lower the effectiveness of lithium, a mood‑stabilizer, so dosage adjustments might be necessary. Always list every prescription and over‑the‑counter drug you’re taking before starting metronidazole.

Pregnant or breastfeeding moms should discuss risks with their doctor. The drug is generally avoided in the first trimester unless the infection is serious, because animal studies showed some concerns.

To keep things safe: store the pills at room temperature away from moisture, keep them out of children’s reach, and don’t share your medication with anyone else. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one – then skip the missed one and continue regular timing.

In everyday language, metronidazole is a workhorse antibiotic that clears tough infections when used correctly. Knowing how to take it, what side effects might pop up, and which drugs to watch out for helps you stay on track and get better faster.