What is metronidazole for?

What is the use of taking metronidazole?

Metronidazole is a drug that can be given in a number of ways:

• Orally : In the form of pills or in liquid suspension.
• Topically : As skin creams or vaginal creams.
• Intramuscular route : As injected liquid suspension.

Metronidazole has functions aimed at deactivating microorganisms and parasites that intend to invade the human body and cause it to malfunction.

Metronidazole is used to:

• Disable invading organisms
• Fight amoebae and protozoa
• Treat genital and urinary conditions
• As a topical remedy
• Other various uses

Disable invading organisms

Although metronidazole belongs to the group of drugs that act against certain fungi, this drug is used mainly for the treatment of bacterial and parasitic infestations , applied in cases of infestations by amoebic parasites (amoebae) or amoebiasis.

It also participates against other types of parasites, but with a much lesser effect. This is the case of the tapeworm or tapeworm, a flatworm that feeds in the small intestine, at the expense of the unfortunate human who suffers from it.

This drug works by generating failures in the helical structure of DNA , thus preventing the reproductive multiplication of bacteria. It causes its final death when there are no descendants of these microorganisms capable of continuing the population.

Fight amoebae and protozoa

It is one of the most used drugs against intestinal infestations of amoebic microorganisms ( Entamoeba Hystolitica is one of them).

These microscopic beings usually affect the intestinal mucosa and cause ulcerations . In addition, they infest other organs such as the brain, putting the patient in high danger of death.

Therefore, the use of this medicine is recommended (always under medical indications) for an effective elimination of amoebas in the digestive tract, or, where appropriate, to destroy those that have passed through the digestive system and are considering affecting other organs.

Metronidazole eliminates microorganisms such as Giardia Lamblia , whose infestations cause stomach, urinary and vaginal affections, such as diarrhea, urethritis, vaginitis and poor absorption of food.

Treat genital and urinary conditions

In addition to the effects mentioned in the previous paragraph, regarding Giardia Lamblia , metronidazole is used to treat genital and urinary conditions , caused by the presence of protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis , which affect the male and female urinary and genital systems.

The Trichomonas vaginalis lodge in the vagina and urethra in women; and in males it prostrates itself on the epididymis, prostate, and urethra. This protozoan (a term that means “simple or microscopic animal”) affects the genital mucosa, causing inflammation and a toxic-allergic reaction. This reaction is generated by cytoplasmic and nuclear alteration of the cells in the mucosa.

Metronidazole eradicates the cause of these conditions and thus eliminates these protozoa.

As a topical remedy

This drug is recommended for use against skin conditions caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. This is the case of rosacea , which is caused by various types of beings.

Metronidazole kills several of these organisms, which is why it is included in treatments for this skin condition, in the form of creams to treat acne, pimples, and pimples from rosacea.

Metronidazole in various uses

This drug has been used with variable results in the treatment of multiple conditions . These include:

• Gastritis
• Stomach ulcers
• Crohon disease (manifested by intestinal inflammation)
• Giardiasis (caused by Giardia Lamblia )
• Colitis associated with the use of antibiotics
• Symptomatic intestinal amebiasis
• Extra-intestinal amebiasis (when amoebae have passed through the intestines to the organs)
• “Non-specific” vaginitis, due to trichomoniasis

Precautions against metronidazole

This medicine should not be used for a long time , since the vigor of its reaction can destroy the intestinal flora. The dose must be prescribed by a physician , since if insufficient doses are used, parasites, bacteria and protozoa invaders can create a resistance to the drug and charge exceeding their effects.

Alcohol should not be drunk while taking metronidazole. Pregnant or lactating women should request reports regarding its administration.

In cases where other medications are being ingested, the doctor should be notified if allergies or adverse symptoms occur with this medicine.

Side effects of metronidazole

When metronidazole is consumed as the only drug , there would be three risk situations in the patient:

• Allergy to this drug
• Resistance of microorganisms to small doses
• Destruction of the intestinal flora if the dose is too high

When metronidazole is administered in conjunction with other medications and without medical supervision, symptoms such as:

• Jaundice
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Dark or reddish urine
• Metallic or blood taste in the mouth
• Dry mouth
• Irritation of the mouth and / or tongue
• Numbness and tingling in the hands or feet
• Fever
• Nasal congestion
• Itching on the body
• Skin rash

This article is for informational purposes; At no time is it recommended to administer medication without medical supervision. It is essential to CONSULT A DOCTOR.