Metronidazole injection

What is this medicine?

METRONIDAZOLE (me troe NI da zole) is an antiinfective. It medicine is used to treat or prevent certain kinds of bacterial and protozoal infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• confusion

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever, chills, sore throat

• fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• sign and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• vaginal discharge, itching, or odor in women

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• alcohol or any product that contains alcohol

• cisapride

• disulfiram

• dofetilide

• dronedarone

• pimozide

• thioridazine

• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• amiodarone

• birth control pills

• busulfan

• carbamazepine

• cimetidine

• cyclosporine

• fluorouracil

• lithium

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• phenobarbital

• phenytoin

• quinidine

• tacrolimus

• vecuronium

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cockayne syndrome

• diet low in salt

• history of blood diseases

• history of yeast infection

• if you often drink alcohol

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to metronidazole, nitroimidazoles, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain alcohol. Metronidazole can cause an unpleasant reaction when taken with alcohol. The reaction includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and increased thirst. The reaction can last from 30 minutes to several hours.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.