Metronidazole (Oral Route, Intravenous Route)

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Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common
  • Any vaginal irritation, discharge, or dryness not present before use of this medicine
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Blood in the urine or stools
  • Clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • Frequent or painful urination
  • Inability to control urine flow
  • Mood or other mental changes
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
  • Pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • Sense of pelvic pressure
  • Skin rash, hives, redness, or itching
  • Sore throat and fever
  • Stomach and back pain (severe)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
For injection form:
  • Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection
Rare
  • Convulsions (seizures)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain or cramps
Less common or rare
  • Change in taste sensation
  • Dryness of the mouth
  • Unpleasant or sharp metallic taste

In some patients metronidazole may cause dark urine. This is only temporary and will go away when you stop taking this medicine.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

Precautions

DR600909

Portions of this document last updated:

Nov. 1, 2009

Source: Drug Information provided by: Micromedex

Copyright © 2009 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.


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