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Introduction About METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION
METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION contains Metronidazole which belongs to the group of medicines called Antibiotics. It is used to manage various bacterial and parasitic infections in the body such as intra-abdominal infections (Ex. peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscess and liver abscess), skin and skin structure infections, genital tract infections (Ex. endometritis, endomyometritis, tubo-ovarian abscess), blood infections (Ex. sepsis), bone and joint infections, brain infections (Ex. meningitis), respiratory tract infections (Ex. pneumonia, lung abscess), and infections on the membranes covering the heart (endocarditis).
It may also reduce the incidence of post-surgical infections among patients undergoing abdominal, gynaecological, gastrointestinal or colorectal surgery. METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION is suitable for use both in adults and in children and used only when management with oral medicines is not possible.
METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION should be used under careful medical supervision. It is important to take the full course of the therapy to achieve better control over infection. Failure or skipping doses in between the therapy may not result in adequate infection control. Avoid consumption of alcohol while receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION as it could increase the risk of dizziness and drowsiness.
Before receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION inform your doctor if you have any problems in your liver or kidneys. You must also inform your doctor if you have any problems in your nervous system, blood disorders or any genetic disorders as a precaution. Do not receive this medicine without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The most common side effects of receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION are changes in taste, swollen and inflamed tongue, sore and dry mouth and muscle pain. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect troubles you.
Uses Of METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION
It is used in adults and in children to manage various bacterial and parasitic infections in the body such as:
- intra-abdominal infections (Ex. peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscess and liver abscess)
- skin and skin structure infections
- genital tract infections (Ex. endometritis, endomyometritis, tubo-ovarian abscess)
- blood infections (Ex. sepsis)
- bone and joint infections
- brain infections (Ex. meningitis)
- respiratory tract infections (Ex. pneumonia, lung abscess)
- infections on the membranes covering the heart (endocarditis)
It may also reduce the incidence of post-surgical infections among patients undergoing abdominal, gynaecological, gastrointestinal or colorectal surgery.
How METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION Works
METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION is an antiprotozoal agent with antibacterial properties. It works by killing the bacteria and parasites that cause infections in the body. This destroys the infection causing germs within the body and manages their further growth and multiplication which therefore reduces the severity of the infection.
How to use METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION
METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the vein as an intravenous infusion.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and severity of infection. Do not stop therapy or skip doses in between the therapy to achieve better control over infection.
Side Effects Of METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION
Common
- Changes in taste sensation
- Swollen and inflamed tongue (glossitis)
- Sore mouth (stomatitis)
- Dryness of mouth
- Muscle pain
Uncommon
- Low WBC count in blood
- Headache
Rare
- Hallucination
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in speaking
- Eye nerve damage causing vision problems
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- Dark urine or abnormal urine discoloration
- Fever
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects after receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION:
- fits (seizures)
- signs of brain disease called encephalopathy (such as fever, stiff neck, headache, seeing things which aren’t there, confusion, difficulties in using your arms and legs, problems with speaking)
- inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis) causing fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, headache, extreme light sensitivity
- nerve damage causing tingling or numbness of body parts especially in the hands and feet
- signs of severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
- severe stomach pain which may reach through to your back (signs of inflammation in the pancreas)
- signs of a liver problem (such as yellowing of skin and eyes)
- severe skin reactions (such as widespread skin rash, blistering, peeling or bleeding on any part of the skin with fever, chills, enlarged lymph nodes and malaise or pink or reddish skin lesions on palms or soles)
How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. If your diarrhea worsens, contact your doctor immediately.

Headache
Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Nausea And Vomiting
Take METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if the symptoms are worsening.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Monitoring requiredMETRONIDAZOLE INFUSION is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedMETRONIDAZOLE INFUSION may pass through breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. However, consult your doctor before receiving it.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionMETRONIDAZOLE INFUSION may cause dizziness, sleepiness, hallucination or confusion. Therefore, do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

Alcohol
Consult your doctorAvoid consumption of alcohol while receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION as it may cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, hot flashes, irregular heartbeat and headache.

Kidney
Use with CautionMETRONIDAZOLE INFUSION should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems (including dialysis). Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

Liver
Use with CautionMETRONIDAZOLE INFUSION should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

Allergy
ContraindicatedTalk to your doctor before receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION if you are allergic to Metronidazole.

Use In Pediatrics
Use with CautionMETRONIDAZOLE INFUSION should be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionMETRONIDAZOLE INFUSION should be used with caution in elderly patients. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Others
METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION is not recommended for use if you:
- have Cockayne syndrome (a rare genetic disorder characterized by short stature, low intellectual ability and neurological problems)
Before receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION, inform your doctor if you:
- have any diseases affecting your nervous system
- have a tendency of developing edema easily
- have blood dyscrasias (a blood condition affecting blood components, bone marrow, lymph and blood vessels)
- are restricted to consume sodium (table salt)
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- anti-coagulants (medicines used for thinning the blood) Ex. warfarin
- lithium (a medicine used to manage mental illness)
- medicines used to manage fits (convulsions) Ex. phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbitone
- medicines used to manage blood cancer and other forms of cancer (Ex. 5-fluorouracil, busulfan)
- ciclosporin, tacrolimus (medicines used to manage rejection of organs after transplantation)
- disulfiram (medicine used to manage alcoholism)
- alcohol
- cimetidine (a medicine used to manage stomach ulcers)
- rifampicin (a medicine used to manage tuberculosis)
Overdosage:
METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION will be administered to you only by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital, and so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Metronidazole |
Pharmacological Category | : | Miscellaneous Antibiotics |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Bacterial and Parasitic infections |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Gel, Ointment, Infusion, Injection, Syrup, Suspension, Liquid |
More Information
- Keep METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION out of reach of children
- Do not store above 25°C
FAQs About METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION
Q: What is the use of METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION?
A: METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION is used to manage various bacterial and parasitic infections in the body such as intra-abdominal infections (Ex. peritonitis), skin and skin structure infections, genital tract infections (Ex. endometritis), blood infections (Ex. sepsis), bone and joint infections, brain infections (Ex. meningitis), respiratory tract infections (Ex. pneumonia, lung abscess), and infections on the membranes covering the heart (endocarditis). It may also reduce the incidence of post-surgical infections among patients undergoing abdominal, gynaecological, gastrointestinal or colorectal surgery.
Q: How METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION works in my body?
A: METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION is an antiprotozoal agent with antibacterial properties. It works by killing the bacteria and parasites that cause infections in the body. This destroys the infection causing germs within the body and manages their further growth and multiplication which therefore reduces the severity of the infection.
Q: How METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION is administered?
A: METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the vein as an intravenous infusion. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and severity of infection.
Q: What precautions must be taken during management with METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION?
A: Before receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION inform your doctor if you have any problems in your liver or kidneys. You must also inform your doctor if you have any problems in your nervous system, blood disorders or any genetic disorders as a precaution. Do not receive this medicine without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Take the full course of the therapy to achieve better control over infection. Failure or skipping doses in between the therapy may not result in adequate infection control. Avoid consumption of alcohol while receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION as it could increase the risk of dizziness and drowsiness.
Q: Can METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION be used in children?
A: METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION should be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and severity of infection.
Q: Can METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION manage viral infections?
A: No. METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION cannot manage viral infections. It manages only bacterial and parasitic infections. It acts by killing the susceptible germs which are responsible for causing infections, and therefore not effective against any viral infections.
Q: What kind of infections that METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION can manage?
A: METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION is an antibiotic with antiprotozoal effects. It is used to manage infections caused by bacteria and parasites. It kills harmful germs by damaging their DNA. It can manage bacterial and parasitic infections such as intra-abdominal infections (Ex. peritonitis), skin and skin structure infections, genital tract infections (Ex. endometritis), blood infections (Ex. sepsis), bone and joint infections, brain infections (Ex. meningitis), respiratory tract infections (Ex. pneumonia, lung abscess), and infections on the membranes covering the heart (endocarditis). It may also reduce the incidence of post-surgical infections among patients undergoing abdominal, gynaecological, gastrointestinal or colorectal surgery.
Q: Can the use of METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION cause diarrhea?
A: METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION may cause diarrhea in some individuals. If you experience diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. If your diarrhea worsens contact your doctor immediately.
Q: Can I stop therapy with METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION once my symptoms subside?
A: Do not stop therapy with METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION once your symptoms subside. It is important to take the full course of METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION to achieve better results. Failing to complete the full course of the therapy or skipping doses in between the therapy may not result in adequate infection control. It may also cause your symptoms to reappear.
Q: What are the common side effects of receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION?
A: The most common side effects of receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION are changes in taste, swollen and inflamed tongue, sore and dry mouth and muscle pain. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect troubles you.
Q: For how long should I receive METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION?
A: Take METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION for the stipulated duration as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip the medicine or stop receiving it on your own as it may cause the infection to become severe.
Q: Can [GBNKEYWORD] be used in patients with kidney problems?
A: METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Q: Can I consume alcohol while taking METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION?
A: No. Avoid consumption of alcohol while receiving METRONIDAZOLE INFUSION as it might cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, hot flashes, irregular heartbeat and headache. Consult your doctor immediately if you accidently took alcohol and experience these symptoms.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Macrolide and other antibacterial antibiotics. Anti-amoebic and other antiprotozoal drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 7th Edition. Page – 763 & 837.
2. Weir CB, JK. Metronidazole. StatPearls. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. June 2022. [Accessed on 18th March 2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539728/
3. Sagent Pharmaceuticals. Metronidazole Injection 500mg per 100ml. Dailymed.com. [Revised in July 2022]. [Accessed on 20th March 2023] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=d46870f5-e2b1-46bd-8413-4a0a8bcf3175&type=display
4. Pfizer Ltd. Metronidazole Injection 500mg/100ml. [Revised in August 2022]. [Accessed on 20th March 2023] https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=16326#:~:text=Metronidazole%20Injection%2C%20USP%20is%20indicated,with%20Metronidazole%20Injection%2C%20USP%20therapy.
5. Pfizer Ltd. Metronidazole 500mg Injection. U. S. Food and Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2013]. [Accessed on 20th March 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/018353s026lbl.pdf
6. Baxter Healthcare Ltd. Metronidazole 500mg/100ml Intravenous Infusion. Electronic Medicines Compendium. [Revised in November 2017]. [Accessed on 20th March 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1842/smpc
7. Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd (MFG). Metronidazole Injection. [Accessed on 20th March 2023] https://www.fresenius-kabi.com/in/products/metronidazole
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Liver Function Test
- Complete Blood Count