Metronidazol para la infección bacteriana

Acerca del metronidazol

What is metronidazole used for?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and types of micro-organisms called protozoa.

These types of organisms often cause infections in areas of the body such as the gums, pelvic cavity and tummy (stomach or intestines) because they do not need oxygen to grow and multiply.

Metronidazole is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial vaginosis, and, is also prescribed before gynaecological surgery and surgery on the intestines, to prevent infection from developing.

El metronidazol también se utiliza, junto con otros medicamentos, para deshacerse de Helicobacter pyloriuna infección bacteriana a menudo asociada a las úlceras de estómago.

It can safely be taken by people who are allergic to penicillin.

El metronidazol también está disponible como preparado cutáneo. Este prospecto no ofrece información sobre el metronidazol cuando se utiliza para afecciones cutáneas, pero hay más información disponible en un prospecto aparte llamado Metronidazol gel y crema cutáneos.

Side effects of Metronidazole

Common side effects of metronidazole are:

• Me siento mal.

• Estar enfermo.

• Changes in how things taste.

• Furred tongue

• Sore mouth.

• Lack of appetite.

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto del fabricante que acompaña al medicamento.

Los efectos no deseados suelen mejorar a medida que su organismo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero hable con su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes continúa o se vuelve molesto.

How to manage metronidazole side effects

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse a este medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

Who should not take metronidazole

Some medicines aren’t suitable for certain health conditions or may require extra care. Before taking metronidazole, it is important to let your doctor know:

• Si está embarazada o en periodo de lactancia.

• Si cree que no podrá dejar de beber alcohol mientras dure el tratamiento.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de su hígado.

• Si padece un raro trastorno sanguíneo hereditario llamado porfiria.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

Cómo tomar metronidazol

• Read the information leaflet in your pack before starting. It explains metronidazole and lists possible side effects.

• Take the tablets or liquid exactly as your doctor or dentist tells you. Your dose depends on the type and severity of your infection.

• Adults often take 400 mg two or three times a day, but your dose may be different. Children’s doses depend on age and weight. You're doctor will tell you what dose to take.

• Space your doses evenly throughout the day and finish the full course unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping early can make the infection come back.

• Most courses of metronidazole last about seven days, but some can last anywhere from 3-14 days. For certain infections, you may be given one large dose, usually five 400 mg tablets (2 g),to take at once.

• Tome cada una de sus dosis con un tentempié o justo después de comer. Trague los comprimidos enteros (es decir, sin masticarlos ni triturarlos) con un vaso lleno de agua.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and try to space your remaining doses evenly throughout the rest of the day. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Si le han administrado supositorios de metronidazol

1. Retire el supositorio de su envoltorio.

2. Con el dedo, empuje suavemente el supositorio hacia el interior de la cavidad posterior (recto) hasta donde le resulte cómodo. A muchas personas les resulta más fácil introducir un supositorio si se ponen en cuclillas o se inclinan hacia delante.

3. Quédese quieto unos instantes para ayudarle a mantener el supositorio en su sitio.

4. Lávate las manos.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Metronidazole can make your urine look darker. This is usually harmless, but if you also get stomach pain, feel sick, or feel unwell, tell your doctor.

• Check with a pharmacist before buying any other medicines. Some cold and cough products contain alcohol and shouldn’t be taken with metronidazole.

• If you need to take metronidazole for more than 10 days, your doctor may arrange tests. Be sure to attend any appointments.

Cómo conservar el metronidazol

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas más frecuentes

How long does it take for metronidazole to work?

Metronidazole usually starts to work within 1-2 days, with most people noticing an improvement in their symptoms after 48 hours. Always finish your course of treatment even if you are feeling better.

Is it safe to take metronidazole during pregnancy?

Yes, it is usually safe to take metronidazole during pregnancy if it is prescribed to you. However, always let your doctor know that you are pregnant before taking metronidazole.

Can you drink alcohol when taking metronidazole?

No, you should not drink alcohol if you are taking metronidazole as it can cause a strong reaction, including nausea, vomiting, flushing, headaches, and a fast heartbeat. You should wait until 2 days after your last dose before having alcohol.

How long does metronidazole stay in your system for?

Metronidazole stays in your system for about 2-3 days after your last dose. It has a half-life of around 8 hours, which means it takes about 8 hours for the amount of the drug in your bloodstream to reduce by half.