Metronidazole is an antibiotic tablet that treats trichomoniasis, an STI more commonly known as ‘trich’ or ‘TV’. It’s taken twice daily, and can clear infections in seven days.
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Metronidazole is an antibiotic that works against a number of bacterias and parasites. It’s prescribed to treat a wide variety of conditions including skin infections and pelvic inflammatory disease, and can also be used to clear sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis, usually referred to as ‘trich’, is a common infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Symptoms of this condition usually appear within a month of transmission, although half of the people who develop trich won’t get any symptoms whatsoever.
The parasite that causes trich is usually spread through unprotected sex. When symptoms do develop, they are often similar to other STIs. Women who develop an infection usually experience a soreness around their genitals, including redness, itching and burning. It can be uncomfortable to urinate, and often the infection produces a clear, yellow, or green discharge with an unusual smell. Men with trich experience similar symptoms, including irritation inside their genitals, a burning sensation after urinating, and a thin, white discharge from their penis.
How does Metronidazole work?
Metronidazole works by preventing the growth of bacterias and parasites that cause infections. It’s one the most commonly prescribed medications, and is used to treat a range of bacterial infections.
The tablets have a ‘cytotoxic’ effect. Cytotoxicity is the ability a substance has to cause damage to certain cells. Put into practice, this means Metronidazole gets to work to break down and destroy the parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis) that's causing your trich infection.
Metronidazole is sometimes prescribed in the form of a topical cream, lotion, or gel to treat skin conditions like rosacea. It’s also used intravaginally (inside the vagina) to treat bacterial vaginosis.
What doses of Metronidazole are there?
When treating trich, Metronidazole is given as 400mg tablets.
The usual dose is one 400mg tablet twice a day, for 7 days.
To avoid missing a dose or making any mistakes while using Metronidazole, you could try setting an alarm as a reminder for when you’re due to take your tablets. To prevent the infection returning, make sure you take each dose of your antibiotics until the course is complete.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to take Metronidazole
Metronidazole tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Taking them during (or just after) a meal will help you avoid indigestion or stomach irritation. You should never crush or chew the tablets.
Stopping antibiotics during a course of treatment can mean that some of the pathogen causing your infection is still present in your system. That’s why it’s essential to stick to your dose routine as it’s been advised, and finish the full course of Metronidazole.
Does Metronidazole work right away?
Antibiotics are the usual treatment for trichomoniasis. They work quickly, and once you’ve finished a course of tablets, you shouldn’t need any further medication as that’s usually enough to clear the infection.
You might start to feel better after a few days of treatment with Metronidazole, but it’s important to take the full 7 day course of tablets to allow the antibiotics to work properly. If you’ve seen no improvement after 7 days, talk to a clinician about alternative STI treatments.
What should I do if I make a mistake when using Metronidazole?
Taking Metronidazole exactly how it’s been prescribed by a clinician will mean you’re unlikely to make any mistakes while you’re using the tablets.
If you’ve taken more tablets than you need, we recommend going to your nearest hospital for immediate help. A doctor will find it easier to treat you if you can provide as much information as possible on arrival, so it’s best to bring the box that your Metronidazole tablets arrive in.
You don’t need to double your dose of antibiotics if you miss a tablet. Instead, wait until your next dose is due and continue your treatment plan from there.
You should avoid drinking alcohol at all costs while you’re using Metronidazole, as it can cause vomiting and abdominal pain. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, let a clinician know before starting a course of tablets. Metronidazole can sometimes cause sleepiness and bouts of dizziness – if you’re feeling like this at any point while you’re using it, you should avoid driving.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Metronidazole
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is Metronidazole similar to any other treatments for trichomoniasis?
Answer:
Metronidazole is prescribed for most people who have a trichomoniasis infection. It’s sometimes prescribed as a single-dose, 2g treatment, but studies have found this method of antibiotic use to be less effective than a seven day course.
If you’re recommended Metronidazole to treat your trich infection and it doesn’t work, it could be that you’re resistant to this particular antibiotic, although cases of this happening are rare. Speak to one of our clinicians if you feel like things haven’t improved after completing a course of tablets.
Does Metronidazole affect contraception?
Answer:
Metronidazole shouldn’t affect any forms of contraception, including emergency contraceptives and the combined pill.
If the tablets give you diarrhoea or make you vomit, however, it can stop contraceptives from working if they haven’t had long enough to be properly absorbed into your system.
If you develop these side effects from taking Metronidazole, stop taking them immediately and let a clinician know. They can advise you about any contraceptives you’re currently using and whether or not you need to take extra precautions to avoid an unplanned pregnancy while you find an alternative trichomoniasis treatment.
Will I get any side effects from using Metronidazole?
Answer:
Antibiotics like Metronidazole can sometimes cause side effects, but they affect people differently so there’s no guarantee which ones you’ll experience if you do encounter any.
The patient information leaflet provided with your medication contains a full list of side effects you might develop as a result of taking the tablets.
If you experience any side effects that seem severe, they could be a sign of an allergic reaction. These include swelling of the hands, feet or throat, skin rashes, skin peeling, and a fever, among others. You should seek immediate medical attention if anything like this occurs, by going to your nearest hospital’s accident and emergency department.
Can you get Metronidazole over the counter?
Answer:
Metronidazole is a prescription-only medication, which means you won’t be able to get it over the counter from pharmacies or supermarkets.
Antibiotics always need to be prescribed by a trained healthcare professional who can supervise you starting treatment with Metronidazole. It reduces the risks of any problems, and ensures that the tablets are safe for you to use.
Why should I buy Metronidazole online from Treated?
Answer:
We treat a range of conditions, and we take them all seriously. You’ll get judgement-free advice and options that can help treat your infection quickly, so you can skip the hassle of waiting around or being put on hold. We recommend medications we think are suitable, and you make the final choice.
Our deliveries are fast and come in discreet packaging. If you’ve got any questions about Metronidazole or the condition you’re managing, you’ll get round-the-clock access to our clinician experts who are always on hand to answer your queries.
“Single-Dose versus 7-Day-Dose Metronidazole for the Treatment of Trichomoniasis in Women: An Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial.” The Lancet Infectious Diseases, vol. 18, no. 11, Nov. 2018, pp. 1251–1259.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
