Metronidazole 500 mg/100 ml is a sterile solution for intravenous infusion. It contains the active ingredient metronidazole at a concentration of 500 mg per 100 ml, equivalent to 5 mg per 1 ml. Metronidazole belongs to a group of antimicrobial medicines that help kill certain microorganisms or reduce their multiplication and growth.
This medicine is used when oral treatment is not possible and must be administered under medical supervision only.
What is metronidazole 500mg 100ml used for?
Metronidazole 500 mg/100 ml is used to prevent or treat certain bacterial infections, especially those caused by bacteria sensitive to metronidazole.
Its main uses include:
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Prevention of infections after surgical procedures, especially in surgeries where the risk of bacterial infection is high.
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Treatment of severe abdominal infections when bacteria sensitive to the medicine are confirmed or suspected to be the cause.
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Treatment of certain severe gynecological infections, particularly when infection with metronidazole-sensitive bacteria is suspected or confirmed.
What is the dose of Metronidazole 500?
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Metronidazole 500 mg/100 ml is administered by intravenous infusion only. It should be given in a hospital or under direct medical supervision.
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Each bag is considered one dose and is administered through an intravenous line by drip infusion.
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The medicine is usually infused at a rate of approximately 5 ml per minute, equivalent to one bag over 20 to 60 minutes.
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The doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment based on several factors, including:
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Patient’s age.
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Patient’s weight.
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Patient’s medical condition.
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Type of infection and the reason for prescribing the medicine.
The duration of treatment for established infections is usually 7 to 10 days. The doctor may decide to extend the treatment period depending on the patient’s condition and test results. Once the patient’s condition improves and oral treatment becomes possible, the doctor may switch the treatment from intravenous infusion to oral medicine.
Side effects of Metronidazole 500
Metronidazole 500 mg/100 ml may cause some side effects, although not all patients will experience them.
Common side effects include:
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An unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.
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Inflammation of the mouth or tongue.
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Dry mouth.
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Muscle pain.
Inform your doctor if you experience any troublesome or persistent symptoms while using this medicine.
Precautions and warnings
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Do not use Metronidazole 500 mg/100 ml if you are allergic to metronidazole or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
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Tell your doctor before using this medicine in the following cases:
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If you have liver disease.
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If you have an active disease affecting the nervous system.
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If you have Cockayne syndrome. Cases of severe liver toxicity and acute liver failure, some of which were fatal, have been reported in patients with this syndrome when using medicines containing metronidazole. In this case, your doctor may need to monitor your liver function regularly during and after treatment.
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Tell your doctor immediately and stop using the medicine if you develop symptoms that may indicate a liver problem, such as:
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Stomach pain.
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Loss of appetite.
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Fever or a general feeling of being unwell.
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Severe tiredness.
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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Dark urine.
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Pale or clay-colored stools.
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Itching.
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You should also inform your doctor if neurological symptoms occur during treatment, such as poor coordination, dizziness, confusion, or partial hearing loss.
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This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the doctor decides that its use is necessary.
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Do not drive or operate machinery during treatment with this medicine, as it may affect your ability to concentrate or cause symptoms such as dizziness or confusion in some patients.
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This medicine contains 310 mg of sodium per dose. This should be taken into consideration in patients following a sodium-restricted diet.
Drug interactions
Metronidazole 500 mg/100 ml may interact with certain medicines, which may affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken, or may take any other medicines, especially:
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Warfarin or other blood-thinning medicines, as your doctor may need to monitor your blood clotting time more frequently.
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Vecuronium is used to relax muscles during surgery.
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Disulfiram is used to treat alcohol dependence.
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5-fluorouracil is used to treat certain types of cancer.
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Lithium is used to treat some mood disorders or depression. Your doctor may need to reduce the dose or stop it before using metronidazole.
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Anti-epileptic medicines such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine.
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Cholestyramine is used to lower cholesterol.
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Cimetidine is used to treat stomach ulcers.
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Medicines used after organ transplantation, such as ciclosporin and tacrolimus.
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Medicines used for heart rhythm disorders, such as amiodarone and quinidine.
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Busulfan is used to treat certain types of blood cancer.
Alcohol must not be consumed during treatment with metronidazole and for 72 hours after completing the treatment, as this may cause unpleasant effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hot flushes, palpitations, and headache.
Storage
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Keep Metronidazole 500 mg/100 ml out of the sight and reach of children.
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Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the package.
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Keep it in the outer carton to protect it from light.
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Do not remove the unit from the outer wrapping until it is ready for use.
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Do not use the solution if it is not clear or if the container is damaged in any way.
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Any unused solution should be discarded after use.
Ingredients
Each 100 ml of Metronidazole solution contains:
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Metronidazole 500 mg is the active ingredient.
It also contains other ingredients, including:
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Disodium phosphate dodecahydrate.
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Citric acid monohydrate.
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Sodium chloride.
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Water for injections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Metronidazole 500 mg be used on an empty stomach?
Metronidazole 500 mg intravenous solution can be used on an empty stomach, as the medicine is administered directly into the vein and does not depend on the presence of food in the stomach. The intravenous solution must be used under medical supervision only, while following the dose and treatment duration prescribed by the doctor.
Is metronidazole a strong antibiotic?
Yes, metronidazole is considered an effective and strong antibiotic for specific types of infections, especially infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, which grow in low-oxygen areas of the body. It may also be used to treat certain parasitic infections.
However, this does not mean it is suitable for all types of infections. It does not treat viral infections such as colds or flu, and it may not be effective against all bacteria. Therefore, it should only be used when prescribed by a doctor, who will determine whether it is appropriate based on the type of infection and the patient’s condition.
