Doctor explains METRONIDAZOLE | Plus doses, side effects and more [Educational video]

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 21:20:22 +0000

In this video Doctor O'Donovan explains key facts you need to know about Metronidazole - an antibiotic tablet that has many uses - including for rosacea.

What is Metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic. You might know it by its brand name - Flagyl. Here in the UK, metronidazole is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets, gel, vaginal gel, cream, a liquid you drink or a suppository which is a medicine that you push gently into your anus (bottom). It's also given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.

Metronidazole uses:

It's used to treat skin infections, rosacea and mouth infections, including infected gums and dental abscesses. It's also used to treat conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. It's also used for infected insect bites, skin ulcers, bed sores and wounds, and to treat and prevent bacterial and parasitic infections.

What are the strengths and doses of metronidazole?

This will vary from person to person so always follow the specific instructions given to you by your own doctor or pharmacist.

Can I drink alcohol if I take metronidazole?

According to NHS UK "Do not drink alcohol while taking a course of metronidazole tablets, liquid, suppositories or vaginal gel, or for 2 days after finishing treatment. Alcohol can cause side effects such as feeling and being sick, stomach pain, hot flushes, difficulty breathing, a pounding heartbeat (palpitations) and headaches."

Are there any side effects of metronidazole?

In this video we cover some of the common, plus more rare (but serious) side effects to be aware of. It is always really important to read the information leaflet inside the medication packet before taking any medication. Please remember - this is NOT a clinical advice video but just a general educational video. For specific questions or concerns around allergies ALWAYS speak to your own pharmacist or health provider.

Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in 1000 people but they can include:

- the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin – these can be signs of liver or gallbladder problems
- you get unexpected infections, mouth ulcers, bruising, bleeding gums, or extreme tiredness – these can be caused by a blood problem
- you have bad stomach pains which may reach through to your back – this can be a sign of pancreatitis
- you have blurred vision or double vision
- anaphylaxis

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Content and timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
01:12 - Who can and can't take metronidazole
01:53 - How and when to take metronidazole
04:28 - Side effects
07:00 - Interactions with other medications
08:06 - Common questions

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References and resources

NHS information: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/metronidazole/

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/....drug-6426/metronidaz

National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE UK): https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/metronidazole/

#doctor #health #antibiotics #metronidazole #roseca #acne #medication #pharmacy

Video published: 27th March 2024. Next review: 2027.
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This video has been designed for EDUCATIONAL purposes ONLY and is NOT intended to promote or advertise any prescription-only medication.

Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. Dr. O'Donovan does not endorse or promote any medication discussed in this video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

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