Health Library

Metronidazole (By injection)

Metronidazole (met-roe-NYE-da-zole)

Treats bacterial infections and prevents infections during surgery.

Brand Name(s):

PremierPro Rx metroNIDAZOLE, metroNIDAZOLE Novaplus

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor might give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not receive this medicine if you have taken disulfiram within the last 2 weeks. Do not drink alcohol or use medicine that contains alcohol or propylene glycol while receiving this medicine and for at least 3 days after treatment.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how metronidazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • 5-fluorouracil, amiodarone, busulfan, carbamazepine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, lithium, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, tacrolimus
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Medicine that may cause heart rhythm problems
  • Steroid medicine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a yeast infection (oral thrush), fluid retention (edema), or a history of seizures or blood or bone marrow problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Brain or nervous system problems, including peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, seizures, meningitis, or vision problems
  • Liver problems, which may be life-threatening
  • Serious skin reactions
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blurred vision, dizziness, problems with muscle control, clumsiness, shakiness, trouble talking
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Confusion, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck or back
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, fainting, lightheadedness
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Seizures
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Vaginal itching or discharge

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Muscle or joint pain
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024