In this leaflet:
1. What Metronidazole tablet is and what it is used for.
2. Before you take Metronidazole tablet
3. How to take Metronidazole tablet
4. Possible side effects
5. Symptoms and treatment of over dosage
6. How to store Metronidazole tablet
7. Further information
1. WHAT METRONIDAZOLE TABLET IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Metronidazole tablet contains the active drug metronidazole which belongs to a class of compounds known as nitroimidazoles. It has antibacterial, antiprotozoal and amoebicide actions. Metronidazole inhibits nucleic acid synthesis in susceptible organisms at both intestinal and extraintestinal sites. It’s active against most anaerobic bacteria and protozoa including Bacteroides fragilis, B. melaninogenicus, Fusobacterium, Veillonella, Clostridium, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia lamblia, and Balantidium coli.
2. PRECAUTIONS AND WARNING BEFORE YOU TAKE METRONIDAZOLE TABLET
Contraindication:
• Do not take Metronidazole tablet if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to metronidazole or any of the ingredients of Metronidazole tablet or to other nitroimidazole derivatives.
Take special care with Metronidazole tablet if:
• You have a history of blood dyscrasias or alcoholism, hepatic disease, retinal or visual field changes, or CNS disorders and in those receiving hepatotoxic drugs.
Pregnancy and lactation:
• Do not take Metronidazole tablet in the first trimester of pregnancy or during breast feeding.
• If drug is indicated during pregnancy for trichomoniasis, the 7-day regimen is preferred over the single dose regimen.
Taking other medicines:
• Please inform your Pharmacist or Doctor if you are taking or about to take any other medicine including those obtained without a prescription.
Driving and using Machines
Taking Metronidazole tablet may cause dizziness and impair your ability to perform tasks requiring alertness. Do not therefore operate machinery.
3. HOW TO TAKE METRONIDAZOLE TABLET
You should take the tablet exactly as your Doctor or Pharmacist directs you.
The tablet can be swallowed whole or crushed to facilitate swallowing. It should be taken with meals to minimize GI distress.
Dosage:
Adults: 200 - 750 mg two to three times daily for 5- 14 days. Or 2g P.O as a single dose.
Children: 15- 50 mg/kg P.O daily in two to three divided doses for 5 - 10 days.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECT
Like all medicines, Metronidazole tablet can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Darkened urine, cystitis, vertigo, headache, dizziness, seizures, peripheral neuropathy, abdominal cramping, metallic taste, epigastric distress, nausea, vomiting, flushing, rash, transient leukopenia and neutropenia have been reported.
Possible interactions with food and drugs
Food delays the rate but not the extent of absorption. Concomitant drug use with alcohol may cause disulfiram like reaction (nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps and flushing). Also, drugs such as barbiturates, phenytoin, cimetidine, lithium, oral anticoagulants and disulfiram interact with metronidazole, hence caution should be taken or avoid use together.
5. SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF OVER DOSAGE
Signs and symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, ataxia, seizures and peripheral neuropathy. Treatment is non specific and usually supportive. Induced emesis with ipecac syrup or gastric lavage followed by activated charcoal may be employed if need be. Diazepam or phenytoin may be used to control seizures.
6. HOW TO STORE METRONIDAZOLE TABLET
Keep metronidazole tablets out of reach and sight of children.
Store tablet below 300c.and in the original Package.
Check the expiry date on the Label. Do not use tablet if the expiry date has passed.
7. FURTHER INFORMATION
Each tablet contains 200mg of Metronidazole. The other ingredients in Metronidazole tablet are: Lactose, Sodium Lauryl sulphate, Gelatin, Maize starch, Sodium Methylparaben, Erythrosine red, Tartrazine yellow, Talc, Sodium starch glycolate, Magnesium Stearate and Silicone Dioxide.
Date of publication / review: Effective June, 2014, this publication is subject to review every two years and upon receipt of new product information.