Metronidazole, a prescription medicine marketed as Flagyl and available as oral, injection and topical forms, is used to treat infections from unusual bacteria, called anaerobic bacteria (such as bacteroides), and from protozoa. Infections treated by oral or injectable metronidazole may be gastric or urologic; topical and oral metronidazole also treats a vaginal infection called trichomoniasis.
Gastric Effects
Gastric side effects are most common with metronidazole treatment, occurring in approximately 12 percent of people. Nausea, anorexia, stomach pain, cramping and constipation have been reported; some vomiting and diarrhea are also possible. Gastric side effects may be accompanied by headache.
Nervous System Effects
Nervous system effects range from mild mood changes, irritability and sleeping trouble to more serious concerns, such as peripheral numbness (in the arms and legs) and convulsive seizures. Patients who take metronidazole for a long time in particular should be monitored for numbness in particular and should stop metronidazole if it occurs.
Alcohol Interaction Effects
Metronidazole has a notable drug interaction with alcohol that causes a unique set of side effects. Nausea, vomiting, flushing and headache are possible with any type of metronidazole use, including topical use. Rarely, taste changes and pancreatitis can occur.
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