Metronidazole gel is commonly used for treatment of inflammation and redness which is caused by skin disorder called rosacea. It can also be used for other similar conditions as long as it is recommended by your doctor. It is basically a kit which contains a topical cleanser and antibacterial agent. Topical cleanser is mostly used for cleansing of skin before usage of antibacterial agent which properly works by killing of all the sensitive bacterias.
Use of metronidazole
Use of metronidazoleDo not use it before consulting with your doctor. You have to test yourself if you’re by any chance allergic to some of the ingredients that are in it so be sure to contact your health care provider if some of that applies to yourself.
Before using it you need to tell your pharmacist or doctor if you, by any chance, have some medical condition, especially if some of the following applies to you:
- you’re pregnant, breast feeding or you’re simply planning to get pregnant
- you already have allergies to certain foods, substances or medicines
- you have certain health history related to blood problems
- you’re already taking certain herbal or dietary supplements or any sort of medicine
In some cases medicines could interact with metronidazole cream, so you need to inform your doctor if you take another medicines currently, especially if you are taking disulfiram or warfarin which can case various side effects by using both of them at the same time.
Treatment options
Biggest purpose of it is certainly treatment of parasitic infection that includes Giardia infection of small intestine, amebic dysentery, bacterial vaginosis and amebic liver’s abscess. It can be used solo or in a combination with certain other antibiotics that are used for treatment of abscess in pelvis, liver, brain and abdomen. This medicine can also be used for treatment of infection in colon which is purely caused by bacterium called c. difficile, which is anaerobic bacteria that could infect colon once the ordinary bacteria types in colon are being inhibited by certain antibiotics. This can usually lead to colon inflammation with side effects of abdominal pain and even severe diarrhea. It is also commonly used in a combination with certain other antibiotics and medicines to properly treat helicobacter pyroli that can cause intestinal or stomach ulcers. Metronidazole vaginal gel is commonly used for treatment of bacterial vaginosis, while topical gel is commonly used for treatment of acne rosacea.
Mechanism and drug class
We already stated that it is a commonly used antibiotic which has already been proven to be extremely effective against anaerobic bacterias and some parasites. Anaerobic bacterias are one celled organisms that are thriving in environment in which there’s just a small amount of oxygen and it is known as one of the main causes of various diseases in pelvis, liver and abdomen area. Metronidazole blocks some of the main functions within parasites and bacterial cells which usually results with their death.
Dosing
Metronidazole is taken orally, whether it is with or without food. In hospitals it can also be administered intravenously for treatment of serious infections. Liver is mainly responsible for elimination of this drug from your body, so doses can be slightly reduced for patients that are suffering from liver diseases or an abnormal liver functions.
Possible side effects
Since every possible medicine can cause certain side effects, whether they are bigger or minor, metronidazole gel is no different. If you start to feel certain side effects, such as dryness, scaling, stinging, itching or mild burning you have to quickly consult with your doctor to seek proper medical attention. Reported side effects caused by allergic reactions could also be rash, difficulty with breathing, chest tightness, hives or even swelling of face, lips, tongue or mouth. Also, certain tingling and numbness in feet and hands could occur as a less common side effect. Just remember that this is not a complete list of possible side effects, and since every human body reacts different, you can also experience other side effects that were not already reported, even though that is highly unlikely.