Be careful when taking metronidazole, there are these side effects!

Metronidazole is a drug that has anti-trichomoniasis and anti-amoeba effects. It has strong bactericidal ability, is relatively cheap, and is widely used in clinical practice. However, according to relevant experts, in research, metronidazole also has some side effects when used in specific applications. So, what are these side effects?

Adverse reactions

10% to 30% of cases experience adverse reactions after using metronidazole. Adverse reactions to metronidazole are related to the course of treatment and dosage. Short-term treatment is generally well tolerated, with only mild nausea, bad taste in the mouth, occasional glossitis, stomatitis, etc., which generally do not affect treatment and disappear after stopping the drug. Long-term and high-dose use may cause anorexia, nausea, vomiting, rash, limb numbness, leukopenia, etc., which disappear after stopping the drug.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

The most common adverse reactions to metronidazole are gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and loss of appetite, which generally do not affect treatment.

Mental and neurological symptoms

Metronidazole easily passes through the blood-brain barrier and may sometimes cause dizziness, insomnia, tremors, cerebellar ataxia, and neurosis. Long-term and high-dose use may cause convulsions, peripheral neuritis, movement disorders, and epileptic seizures.

Tachycardia, arrhythmia

Metronidazole has a severe cardiotoxic reaction. Symptoms of chest tightness and general discomfort are not taken seriously, and rescue is not initiated until signs of respiratory and circulatory failure appear, but it is often too late.

Urinary tract adverse reactions

The incidence of side effects of metronidazole is significantly higher in liver and kidney diseases than in other diseases. If the liver is immature or damaged, the metabolism of metronidazole in the body will be significantly slowed down. If the kidney is immature or kidney function is damaged, the metabolic half-life of metronidazole will be prolonged and the metabolites will accumulate in the body.

Hematopoietic toxicity

Metronidazole can cause mild temporary blood changes, manifested as a decrease in white blood cells and neutrophils, which can be restored after stopping the drug. It may be due to accelerated destruction rather than bone marrow suppression. Studies have shown that metronidazole affects the normal coagulation system and shortens the coagulation time.

Allergic reaction

Metronidazole can cause allergic reactions such as urticaria, asthma-like attacks, and even anaphylactic shock.