Metronidasool is a common spelling of metronidazole, an antibiotic that doctors use to treat infections caused by certain bacteria and parasites. If your doctor prescribed it, or you saw the name on a leaflet or pill box, you probably have questions. What does it treat? Can you have one glass of wine with it? Is it safe during pregnancy? This guide answers those questions in plain English. You will learn how the medicine works, which side effects are common, which warning signs need fast help, and which habits keep you safe. The facts come from trusted sources such as MedlinePlus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Drugs.com. Use this guide to prepare for your next talk with your doctor or pharmacist, not to replace it.
What Is Metronidasool?
Metronidasool is another spelling of metronidazole, a prescription antibiotic and antiparasitic medicine. You see the “metronidasool” spelling in drug leaflets from countries such as Estonia and in many online searches. U.S. labels use the spelling “metronidazole,” but the medicine is exactly the same.
The drug belongs to a group called nitroimidazoles. Brand names include Flagyl and Likmez, and many generic versions exist. You need a prescription to buy it in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Doctors have used this medicine for decades. They trust it because it works well against a specific set of germs, which you will read about below.
How Does Metronidasool Work?
Metronidasool works by damaging the DNA of certain bacteria and parasites, which kills them. Drugs.com explains that the drug creates harmful molecules inside these germs, and those molecules break apart their genetic material.
The medicine targets anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria grow in places with little or no oxygen, such as deep wounds, the belly, the pelvis, and the gums. It also kills some single-celled parasites, including the ones that cause giardiasis and trichomoniasis.
Metronidasool does not work on viruses. MedlinePlus states that antibiotics will not help with colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when you do not need them also raises your risk of a future infection that resists treatment.
What Does Metronidasool Treat?
Metronidasool treats infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Doctors prescribe it for these common problems:
- Trichomoniasis: a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.
- Bacterial vaginosis: an infection caused by too many harmful bacteria in the vagina.
- Amebiasis: an intestinal infection, including amebic dysentery and amebic liver abscess.
- Giardiasis: an intestinal infection that causes belly pain and diarrhea.
- Serious anaerobic infections: infections in the belly, pelvis, skin, bones, joints, blood, or heart.
- Infection prevention: doctors may give it before and after colorectal surgery.
- Gum infections: some product labels list ulcerative gingivitis, also called Vincent’s infection.
- Rosacea: a topical gel form treats this skin condition.
Trichomoniasis deserves a closer look because it is so common. The CDC calls it the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection in the world, and it affects about 2.6 million people in the United States. Most people with trichomoniasis, between 70% and 85%, have few symptoms or none. That is why many people pass it to partners without knowing.
What Forms Does Metronidasool Come In?
Metronidasool comes in several forms, and your doctor picks the one that fits your infection. MedlinePlus lists tablets, capsules, and a liquid suspension that you take by mouth. Hospitals also give it through an IV for serious infections. Other forms include vaginal products and a skin gel.
If you use the liquid, shake the bottle well before each dose. Measure the dose with a dosing spoon, oral syringe, or measuring cup. A kitchen spoon can give you the wrong amount.
How Do Doctors Prescribe Metronidasool?
Your doctor decides the dose and length of treatment based on your infection, age, weight, and overall health. The numbers below come from medical guides and show how much the plan can change. They are examples, not personal advice.
- Trichomoniasis in women: The CDC recommends 500 mg twice a day for 7 days.
- Trichomoniasis in men: The CDC recommends a single 2 gram dose.
- Intestinal amebiasis in adults: Drugs.com lists 750 mg three times a day for 5 to 10 days.
- Bacterial vaginosis: A common plan is 500 mg twice a day for 7 days.
Always take the medicine exactly as directed. MedlinePlus advises you to keep taking it even when you feel better. Stopping early can leave part of the infection behind, and the germs may grow resistant to the drug.
What if you miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If your next dose is almost due, skip the missed one and go back to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to catch up.
Do partners need treatment too?
Yes, for trichomoniasis they do. The CDC says that treating all sex partners at the same time is vital to stop reinfection. You and your partners should avoid sex until everyone finishes treatment and symptoms go away. The CDC also suggests that women get retested about three months after treatment.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Metronidasool?
The most common side effects of Metronidasool affect your stomach and mouth. MedlinePlus lists these:
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Upset stomach or stomach cramps
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- A furry tongue or mouth irritation
- A sharp, unpleasant metallic taste
Mild side effects often fade within a few days or a couple of weeks, according to Medical News Today. Call your doctor or pharmacist if they feel severe or do not go away. Ask your pharmacist whether taking your dose with food could ease an upset stomach.
Which Serious Side Effects Need Quick Medical Help?
Call your doctor right away if you notice nerve, skin, or allergy symptoms. MedlinePlus lists these warning signs:
- Numbness, pain, burning, or tingling in your hands or feet
- Seizures, confusion, dizziness, or trouble with coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Rash, itching, hives, or flushing
- Peeling or blistering skin, or sores in your mouth
- Fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection
Nerve problems are rare, but they can happen. A case report in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene described a patient who developed speech, walking, and sensation problems after 46 days of high-dose treatment. Symptoms improved after the drug stopped. Drugs.com notes that nerve damage has lasted in some people who took long courses.
Get emergency help if your face, lips, or throat swell, or if you have trouble breathing. These signs point to a serious allergic reaction. In the United States, you can also report side effects to the FDA MedWatch program at 1-800-332-1088.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Metronidasool?
No, you should not drink alcohol during treatment or for at least three days after your last dose. MedlinePlus gives this clear rule, and it also covers products that contain alcohol or propylene glycol.
Mixing the two can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, sweating, and flushing. A drug leaflet from Estonia warns that the reaction can speed up your heart rate and breathing and, in rare cases, put your life at risk.
Alcohol hides in more places than you might expect. Check the labels on mouthwash, cough syrup, and liquid medicines. If a product lists alcohol or propylene glycol, ask your pharmacist before you use it.
Which Medicines Interact With Metronidasool?
Several medicines can cause problems when you combine them with Metronidasool. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take, including vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter products. Pay special attention to these:
- Disulfiram: MedlinePlus says to tell your doctor if you take it or stopped it within the past two weeks.
- Cimetidine: This heartburn medicine can interact with Metronidasool.
- Blood thinners: The drug can strengthen the effect of medicines that slow blood clotting.
Keep a written list of all your medicines and bring it to every appointment. Also tell lab staff that you take Metronidasool before any blood test, because it can affect some results.
Is Metronidasool Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
The answer depends on your situation, so talk with your doctor before you take it. Experts do not fully agree on every detail, and the guidance has some nuance.
MedlinePlus says that pregnant women generally should not take Metronidasool during the first three months of pregnancy. The CDC takes a more detailed view. It states that the drug crosses the placenta but shows a low risk to the developing baby in many studies. The CDC advises doctors to test and treat pregnant women who have symptoms of trichomoniasis at any stage, after they discuss the risks and benefits.
Breastfeeding also needs a plan. Metronidasool passes into breast milk. MedlinePlus says your doctor may ask you to pump and discard your milk during treatment and for 48 hours after your last dose. The CDC notes that some doctors suggest waiting 12 to 24 hours after treatment instead. Case reports show no harm in breastfed babies, but you should still follow your own doctor’s advice.
Who Should Be Careful With Metronidasool?
People with certain health conditions need extra care before they start this medicine. Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
- You have an allergy to Metronidasool or similar medicines.
- You or your child has Cockayne syndrome. Doctors usually advise against the drug in this case.
- You have Crohn’s disease, blood problems, or kidney or liver disease.
- You have a yeast infection or a condition that affects your brain.
People with severe liver problems may need a lower dose because the drug and its byproducts can build up in the body.
MedlinePlus also carries a warning that Metronidasool can cause cancer in laboratory animals. This finding does not mean the drug will cause cancer in people who take a normal course. Ask your doctor to explain the risks and benefits for your case.
Why Does an Infection Sometimes Come Back After Treatment?
Most repeat infections come from reinfection, often from a partner who did not get treated. The CDC explains that most recurrent trichomoniasis cases likely result from this cause. Missed doses and stopping early can also play a role.
True drug resistance exists but is less common. The CDC reports that metronidazole resistance shows up in about 4% to 10% of vaginal trichomoniasis cases. If your symptoms return after you finish treatment, call your doctor. They may order a different test or change your plan.
How Can You Take Metronidasool Safely?
A few simple habits protect your health and help the medicine work. Follow this checklist:
- Take every dose at the times your doctor gave you.
- Finish the whole course, even if you feel well.
- Avoid alcohol and alcohol-based products until at least three days after the last dose.
- Do not share your medicine or take someone else’s.
- Store tablets at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. Skip the bathroom cabinet.
- Keep the container closed and out of children’s reach.
- Throw away leftovers through a take-back program instead of flushing them.
- Keep your lab and doctor appointments.
- Call your doctor if symptoms stay after you finish the course.
If someone takes too much, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened. Overdose signs include nausea, vomiting, poor coordination, seizures, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
Conclusion
Metronidasool, or metronidazole, is a trusted antibiotic that treats infections from anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. It works well when you take it as prescribed. Stay away from alcohol until at least three days after your last dose, finish the full course, and tell your doctor about your other medicines and health conditions. Most side effects are mild, but nerve problems, rashes, and allergic reactions need quick medical help. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about anything that worries you. This article gives general information and does not replace medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metronidasool the same as metronidazole?
Yes. Metronidasool is an alternate spelling of metronidazole, and it names the same medicine. You see the “-sool” spelling in leaflets from countries such as Estonia. Brand names like Flagyl and Likmez also contain this active ingredient. Always check the label or ask your pharmacist if you feel unsure about a product.
How long should I avoid alcohol after taking Metronidasool?
Avoid alcohol for at least three days after your final dose, according to MedlinePlus. This rule also covers products that contain alcohol or propylene glycol, such as some mouthwashes and liquid medicines. Drinking too soon can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, sweating, and flushing. Ask your doctor if you have questions about your case.
Can Metronidasool treat a cold or the flu?
No. Colds and flu come from viruses, and Metronidasool only works on certain bacteria and parasites. MedlinePlus warns that antibiotics will not help viral infections. Taking them without a need can also raise your risk of a future infection that resists treatment. See your doctor if your symptoms last or get worse.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Metronidasool?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the missed one and follow your normal schedule. Never double up to catch up, because that can raise your risk of side effects. Call your pharmacist or doctor if you miss several doses in a row.
Why does Metronidasool leave a metallic taste in my mouth?
A metallic taste is one of the most common side effects of this medicine, and MedlinePlus lists it with dry mouth and a furry tongue. It usually fades after treatment ends. Brushing your teeth, sipping water, and chewing sugar-free gum may help. Call your doctor if the taste feels severe or does not go away.
