Metronidazole (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

The regular tablet or capsule can be taken with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, it is best to take it with a meal or snack.

The extended–release tablet must be taken without food, one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your infection may return.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times during the day. If you need help planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your doctor.

If you have taken a medicine called disulfiram (Antabuse®) within the last 2 weeks, do not take metronidazole until you talk to your doctor. Disulfiram is used to help people who have a drinking problem. If these 2 medicines are taken close together, serious unwanted effects may occur.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (capsules or tablets):
  • For amebiasis infections:
    • Adults and teenagers—500 or 750 milligrams (mg) 3 times per day for 5 to 10 days.
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 35 to 50 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided and given in 3 doses, for 10 days.
  • For bacterial infections:
    • Adults and teenagers—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 7.5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, up to a maximum dose of 1 gram, every 6 hours for 7 to 10 days.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For trichomoniasis infections:
    • Adults and teenagers—The tablet can be given 3 different ways: as a single dose of 2 grams; or as 1 gram 2 times per day for 1 day; or as 250 milligrams (mg) 3 times per day for 7 days. The capsule dose is 375 mg 2 times per day for 7 days.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
  • For bacterial vaginosis:
    • Adults and teenagers—750 milligrams (mg) once a day for 7 days.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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