When patients have parasitic or bacterial infections, their doctor may prescribe an antimicrobial such as Metronidazole. This drug belongs to the family of drugs known as Nitiroimidazole antimicrobials, and they fight infections primarily in the gastrointestinal and reproductive systems. They are particularly well suited for women who suffer from a variety of infections.
Since these drugs are fighting inside your body, trying to destroy parasitic or bacterial infections that have taken hold, you are likely to experience some side effects. The most common ones are going to be mild, and they probably won’t last very long. Anyone taking this drug may experience:
These are considered mild and common side effects, and no one should be alarmed if they experience them.
If any of these symptoms become very severe, however, to the point where they are unbearable or you feel like you need medication for them, then you should let your doctor know. It is possible that your body is rejecting the drugs or having a bad interaction, and you may need to seek alternative medication. Most of these go away in a few days, though they can last as long as several weeks.
There are more serious side effects that you should be aware of. These warrant emergency medical help, and if you start to experience any of them, then you should get help as soon as possible. Severe side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Loss of body movement (known as ataxia)
- Confusion
Even mild forms of these side effects can indicate a serious problem that needs immediate treatment. If you wait too long to get treatment, your condition could worsen.
Oftentimes, such side effects will be caused by taking too much of the drug, and your doctor, once he learns about your side effects, may lower your recommended dosage. He may also decide that you need a different medication entirely.
A small percentage of people will be allergic to Metronidazole. This can be a very serious problem as allergic reactions can lead to an inability to breathe and even death, if not treated right away. Let your doctor know about the allergies you have that you are aware of. Then watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, rashes, itchiness, swelling (usually in the tongue) and difficulty breathing. As soon as you notice any sign that could be indicative of an allergic reaction, you should get medical help right away.
