Content
Metronidazole tablet is an antimicrobial indicated for the treatment of giardiasis, amebiasis, trichomoniasis and other infections caused by bacteria and protozoa sensitive to this substance.
This medicine, also marketed under the name Flagyl, in addition to tablets, is also available in vaginal gel and solution for injection, and can be purchased in pharmacies, upon presentation of a prescription.
See what it is for and how to use metronidazole in vaginal gel.
What is it for
Metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of:
- Infections of the small intestine caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia (giardiasis);
- Infections caused by amoebae (amoebiasis);
- Infections produced by several species of Trichomonas (trichomoniasis),
- Vaginitis caused by Gardnerella vaginalis;
- Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, such as Bacteroides fragilis and other bacteroids, Fusobacterium sp, Clostridium sp, Eubacterium sp and anaerobic coconuts.
Know the various types of vaginitis and learn how the treatment is done.
How to use
The dosage depends on the infection to be treated:
1. Trichomoniasis
The recommended dose is 2 g, in a single dose or 250 mg, twice a day for 10 days or 400 mg twice a day for 7 days. Treatment can be repeated, if the doctor considers it necessary, after 4 to 6 weeks.
Sexual partners should also be treated with 2 g in a single dose, in order to prevent recurrences and reciprocal reinfections.
2. Vaginitis and urethritis caused by Gardnerella vaginalis
The recommended dose is 2 g, in a single dose, on the first and third days of treatment or 400 to 500 mg, twice a day, for 7 days.
The sexual partner should be treated with 2 g, in a single dose.
3. Giardiasis
The recommended dose is 250 mg, 3 times a day, for 5 days.
4. Amoebiasis
For the treatment of intestinal amebiasis, the recommended dose is 500 mg, 4 times a day, for 5 to 7 days. For the treatment of hepatic amebiasis, the recommended dose is 500 mg, 4 times a day, for 7 to 10 days.
5.Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria
For the treatment of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, the recommended dose of metronidazole is 400 mg, three times a day, for 7 days or at the doctor's discretion.
For children under the age of 12, metronidazole should preferably be used as a suspension.
Who should not use
Metronidazole is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formula.
In addition, it should also not be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers without medical advice and by children under 12 years old.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects that may occur during treatment with metronidazole tablets are stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and skin reactions.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- SANOFI. Flagyl. 2016. Available at:. Accessed on 07 Jul 2020