Metronidazole

Metronidazole is a prescription medicine used to treat a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), and trichomoniasis. It can come in the form of tablets, suppositories, vaginal gels, skin creams, or drinkable liquids.

Metronidazole tablets are the most common treatment for BV or trichomoniasis, and are available from 121doc in a dosage of 400 mg, after a short online consultation.

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medicine that works by targeting bacteria and parasites and stopping them from growing. It does this by entering harmful cells and damaging DNA strands that allow them to multiply. With growth prevented, these cells eventually die out, allowing your body to clear the infection.

Metronidazole 400 mg tablets are highly effective in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, as shown by clinical trials:

• Bacterial vaginosis: 93% of patients taking the drug were cured in a study on Metronidazole’s effectiveness for BV.
• Trichomoniasis: 89% of patients were cured in a study on Metronidazole’s effectiveness for trichomoniasis.

Whether you’re taking it for bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, Metronidazole should start to reduce symptoms within a few days. However, it can take up to 7 days before your infection is completely cured. It is also important to take your medicine for the entire course your doctor prescribes, even if symptoms improve before then. If you stop treatment early, you risk your infection coming back even stronger than before.

If you forget to take one of your tablets, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time to take your next dose, then skip the missed one and take your next one at the usual time. Do not take two tablets in one day to make up for a missed dose.

To be prescribed Metronidazole for BV or trichomoniasis, you must be over 18 years old, and you must complete a short online consultation for one of our doctors to review.

Do not take Metronidazole if you are allergic to any of the ingredients found in this medicine. Additionally, your doctor may decide treatment is unsafe if you:

• have ever had liver problems
• are having kidney dialysis
• have a nervous system disease
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Taking Metronidazole can cause some side effects, although it is generally well-tolerated. The most common Metronidazole side effects are:

• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhoea
• a metallic taste in your mouth
• skin problems

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of side effects, including more serious ones, consult the patient information leaflet.

Metronidazole stays in your system for roughly 40-56 hours. The time it takes for half the medicine to leave your system (the half-life) is around 8 hours.

Tiredness is not a common side effect of Metronidazole, but it can happen in very rare cases because of a blood problem. If you feel extreme tiredness after taking Metronidazole, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.

No, you should not drink alcohol when taking Metronidazole and for 48 hours afterwards, as it can make side effects worse and interfere with treatment. In some cases, it can also cause a disulfiram-like reaction; a severe physical reaction from alcohol and antibiotics that can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Yes, over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen are usually safe to take with Metronidazole, as long as you follow the dosage guidelines for both medications. Tell your doctor about any medicines you regularly take alongside Metronidazole in your consultation.

While technically you can take Metronidazole and Amoxicillin together, you should only do so under a doctor’s supervision. Many healthcare providers prescribe both together to more effectively treat bacterial or parasitic infections, although Metronidazole alone is usually enough to effectively treat bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

No. Metronidazole should not be taken when pregnant unless your doctor deems it absolutely necessary. In most cases, an alternative treatment will be prescribed for your infection. As for breastfeeding women, Metronidazole should not be taken at the same time, as small amounts of the medicine can pass into breastmilk.

Apart from alcohol, you can usually eat and drink like normal while taking Metronidazole. However, it is generally advised to maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to give your body the best chance at fighting the infection fast.

No, you cannot buy Metronidazole tablets without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

To see if you’re eligible for treatment, all you have to do is complete a short online consultation. If approved by our medical team, your treatment will be delivered direct to your door in discreet packaging.