About Metrogyl 400 Tablet
Metrogyl 400 Tablet contains Metronidazole 400 mg. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and anti-parasite medicine. It treats infections caused by certain bacteria and parasites, including some gut, vaginal, dental and skin infections. You must not drink alcohol while taking it and for a few days after.
Uses of Metrogyl 400 Tablet
- Amoebic dysentery and giardiasis (gut infections caused by parasites)
- Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis
- Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, including some dental, abdominal and skin infections
- As part of combination treatment for H. pylori stomach infection
Benefits
In bacterial and parasitic infections
It kills the germs causing the infection, helping symptoms such as diarrhoea, discharge or pain to settle. Complete the full course so the infection does not come back.
Side effects
A metallic taste and mild nausea are common. Talk to your doctor if any side effect bothers you.
Common
- Metallic or bitter taste in the mouth
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Dark or reddish-brown urine (harmless)
Get medical help if you notice
- Numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet — stop and contact your doctor
- Fits (seizures), confusion, unsteady walking or slurred speech — seek medical help straight away
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea — contact your doctor
- Yellow eyes or skin (possible liver problems) — contact your doctor
- Severe skin reaction with blisters or peeling, or an allergic reaction with swelling of the face or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet whole with water, during or after a meal to reduce nausea. Complete the full course.
How it works
Inside the germ, it is changed into a form that damages the germ's DNA, which kills the bacteria or parasite.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Do not drink alcohol while taking it and for at least 3 days after the last dose. Together they can cause severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache and a fast heartbeat.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. It is usually avoided in the first three months of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor; you may be advised to pause breastfeeding for a time.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness, drowsiness or confusion. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis; the timing of doses may need to change.
Liver Caution
It is processed by the liver. Your doctor may lower the dose in severe liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Avoid all alcohol, including in mouthwashes or syrups, during the course and for 3 days after.
- Take it with or after food if it upsets your stomach.
- Finish the full course, even if you feel better.
- For some vaginal or sexually transmitted infections, your partner may also need treatment — ask your doctor.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Nitroimidazole
- Therapeutic class
- Anti-infective
- Action class
- Antibacterial and antiprotozoal
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Severe reaction with nausea, vomiting, flushing and fast heartbeat |
| Blood thinners such as warfarin | Higher risk of bleeding |
| Disulfiram | Can cause confusion or psychotic reactions; should not be used within 2 weeks of each other |
| Lithium | Lithium levels may rise, causing side effects |
| Phenytoin and phenobarbital | May lower the effect of metronidazole and change phenytoin levels |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Metronidazole prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA metronidazole labelling; NICE BNF: metronidazole). Pharmacist review pending.