Metronidazole

How our service works

With Prescription Doctor, you can request your prescription for Metronidazole online.

To begin your consultation, simply fill out our online medical form for one of our doctors to review.

If our doctor approves your order before 3 pm on a weekday, our UK registered pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your item for delivery tomorrow.

What is Metronidazole?

Metronidazole belongs to a group of drugs called antiprotozoal agents, which kills certain types of bacteria and parasites. It comes in the form of oral tablets or a topical vaginal gel called Zidoval.

It works by stopping the growth of organisms in the body and by reducing the production of molecules called free radicals, which can damage cells. This can help to reduce the symptoms of bacterial and parasitic infections.

The tablets stop the growth of the bacteria (or parasite) that is initiating the infection. This prevents the cells' ability to reproduce, stopping the infection from spreading and giving the immune system a better chance of fighting the infection.

When taking any course of antibiotics, it is important to complete the course of treatment, even if you feel better or the infection has cleared. Stopping Metronidazole  too early can cause your infection to return.

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Metronidazole Interactions

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. It is also used to treat certain protozoal infections, including some types of amebiasis and trichomoniasis. While Metronidazole is very effective at treating these infections, it can also interact with other medications. When taking Metronidazole, or any other medication, it is important to be aware of potential interactions. When taking Metronidazole, it is important to avoid taking it with the following medications:

• Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications) such as Warfarin
• Certain antacids
• Alcohol
• Bismuth subsalicylate (e.g. Pepto-Bismol)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet) • Lithium • Cotrimoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
• Disulfiram
• Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole
• Vancomycin (Vancocin)

It is important to speak to your doctor before taking Metronidazole if you are currently taking any other medications, as they may interact with the antibiotic. Additionally, some foods and beverages may interact with Metronidazole and should be avoided, such as alcoholic beverages and other beverages containing alcohol.

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Metronidazole dosing regimen

The typical dosing regimen for metronidazole used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV) is 500 mg twice daily (morning and evening) for seven days.

Depending on the individual patient, doses may range from 250 mg to 1000 mg. 

It is important to always take metronidazole exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take a double dose if you miss a dose. If you have any questions about dosing or any other aspects of treatment, contact your healthcare provider.

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What is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Doctors prescribe metronidazole to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, skin, joints and respiratory tract

Vaginal Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection that affects 1 in 3 women in the UK.

While it is not classed as an STI, the infection can be triggered by sexual intercourse and even passed on from one woman to another during sex.

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

There are a number of potential causes of BV, including:

• using perfumed products in and around the vagina
• changing sexual partners
• change in vaginal pH brought on by periods
• using strong detergents when washing underwear
• using a form of contraception known as an IUD

Is bacterial vaginosis the same as thrush?

BV is often mistaken for thrush due to the similarities in the symptoms of both infections.

The difference between the two conditions lies in the consistency and odour of vaginal discharge.

While thrush often produces a thick, odourless discharge that looks like cottage cheese, the discharge associated with bacterial vaginosis is often thin, watery and foul or fishy-smelling.

If you notice a change in your vaginal discharge, speak to our online prescriber or a pharmacist for advice.

To find a Pharmacy near you, Visit NHS Find a Pharmacy

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Treating bacterial vaginosis online

Metronidazole is suitable to request  online if you have previously suffered from bacterial vaginosis that has been diagnosed and successfully treated by your GP. You may qualify for BV treatment online if you have had:

• Diagnosed by your doctor before or have had a positive home test for bacterial vaginosis
• Been prescribed Metronidazole and it has treated the infection successfully
• Your symptoms include fishy odour and may include a thin discharge

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Other treatment Options for BV

• Zidoval - Vaginal gel that contains Metronidazole which is applied internally into the vagina using the provided applicator.
• 5 day course
• Treat infections locally 

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What should I do if I forget to take Metronidazole?

If you forget to take Metronidazole 400mg, take it as soon as you remember.

If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking Metronidazole as you normally would.

To help you remember when to take your next dose of Metronidazole, put your medicine in a place where you are most likely to remember it, or a place where you will see it to prompt you to take it.

Alternatively, you could set a reminder on your phone or smart device which will prompt you near the time of your next dose of Metronidazole.

To learn more on how to take Metronidazole visit the NHS website.

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Metronidazole side effects and cautions

Before you start taking Metronidazole, you must read the patient information leaflet.

You can view the patient information leaflet for Metronidazole online as a PDF, which you can download or print off for future reference.

How will I know if Metronidazole 400mg is safe for me?

By filling out our confidential medical questionnaire, our prescribers will be able to determine whether Metronidazole is safe for you.

When you order metronidazole online from Prescription Doctor, it is important to inform our doctor of all medications you are taking, including medicines prescribed by your GP or bought over the counter from pharmacies, as well as health and herbal supplements.

Speak to your doctor before using Metronidazole if you:

• are on dialysis
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have liver problems
• suspect you have vaginal thrush
• will not be able to stop drinking alcohol while using Metronidazole

Side effects of Metronidazole

Metronidazole has the potential of causing side effects, though not everybody gets them. Understanding the risks associated with the medicine, and remaining vigilant of any side effects is an essential part of your treatment.

Common side effects of Metronidazole may include:

• Diarrhoea
• Metallic taste
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If you notice any of the side effects listed below, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

• Bleeding gums
• Bruising
• Fatigue
• Stomach pain which radiates to your back (pancreatitis)
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Unexpected infections
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Very rare side effects of Metronidazole may include:

• Darkening of urine
• Dizziness
• Fits (convulsions)
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Liver problems
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rash
• Sleepiness

Metronidazole can interact with other medications. This includes;

• Warfarin and other blood-thinning agents
• Lithium
• Medicines used to treat epilepsy
• Certain medications used to treat cancer
• Medications used to treat alcohol dependence
• ciclosporin

Tell your online prescriber about any medications you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and non-prescription medication.

Metronidazole interacts with alcohol and you must abstain from drinking alcohol while taking it. Do not resume drinking until at last two days after you have taken the last tablet.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects & interactions of Metronidazole. For more information visit BNF Metronidazole Interactions. 

Allergic reaction

Do not take Metronidazole if you are allergic to metronidazole or any of its other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Blue skin or lips
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness and confusion
• Rash
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat
• Tightness of the chest

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Metronidazole if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

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Frequently asked questions about Metronidazole

What if I stop taking Metronidazole?

You should not stop taking Metronidazole unless your doctor has instructed that it is safe to do so.

Antibiotics, such as Metronidazole, should not be stopped early. Stopping antibiotic treatment early may cause the infection to return.

Always complete your course of antibiotics unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Metronidazole?

No, you should not drink alcohol while treating an infection with Metronidazole.

Alcohol can lower the effectiveness of Metronidazole and increase the risk of adverse side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and nausea.

How long will I have to avoid alcohol while taking Metronidazole?

Drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can lower their effectiveness. You should avoid alcoholic drinks and mouthwash while taking Metronidazole.

You will be able to drink alcohol once 48 hours have passed since your final dose of Metronidazole.

Can I buy Metronidazole over the counter in the UK?

Metronidazole is a prescription-only medicine and cannot be bought over the counter.

However, you can buy Metronidazole online from Prescription Doctor following a quick consultation. If our doctor is satisfied that the treatment is safe for you, they can issue a prescription which our UK registered pharmacy can fulfil.

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