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How long does metronidazole take to work?

An overview

Metronidazole is a type of medication that belongs to the nitroimidazole group of drugs. It acts by stopping the growth of certain bacteria and parasitizes to prevent bacteria and yeast infection. It is frequently used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV) and various other infections. It often comes in 400 mg tablet form, although it can also be found as a gel, lotion, syrup, or injectable. It is highly effective and fast-acting against bacterial vaginosis.

How does Metronidazole work?

Metronidazole enters the body through diffusion, interferes with DNA to prevent protein synthesis, damages DNA strands, and impairs helical DNA structure. Therefore, it results in cell death in vulnerable species.

There are four steps that make into metronidazole's underlying mechanism.

1. In step one, the drug component enters the membrane of bacteria through diffusion.

2. In step two, the reduction-oxidation process occurs, which alters the chemical nature of the cells.

3. In step three, Cytotoxic products produce, which attach to the cell's DNA.

4. In step four, the Cytotoxic product breakdown the DNA, which leads to the death of bacterial cells.

Indications of metronidazole tablets

1. Bacterial Infections

   Metronidazole tablets are used to treat various infections caused by bacteria. These include GIT infections, mouth infections and skin infections. Metronidazole treats infections of anaerobic bacteria.

   Anaerobic bacteria are found deep in the tissues; therefore, the drug should penetrate deep into the tissue to damage the bacteria cells. The antibiotic will be combined with other medicines to perform well for infections. Certain types of dental infections can be treated with metronidazole antibiotics.

2. Bacterial vaginosis

   This particular infection is brought on by a pH abnormality in the vagina. Since pH is so sensitive, any change could result in an imbalance. The most frequent causes of bacterial vaginosis include intercourse, an intrauterine device (IUD), and poor hygiene practices. The recommended course of treatment for bacterial vaginosis is metronidazole medication. Vaginal infections and vaginal yeast infections are typically eliminated by it. Before using metronidazole to treat vaginal infections, you should educate yourself about its negative effects.

   The usual dosage is 400–500 mg twice daily for 5-7 days. A single dose of 2 grams of metronidazole is an alternative, but it may be less effective and have more adverse effects.

   Some people who take metronidazole experience nausea or even get sick (vomit). The likelihood of this happening decreases by taking the tablets immediately after eating. A metallic taste is a typical adverse effect.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease

   Women with PID can be treated with metronidazole. When added to PID regimens, metronidazole extends protection against anaerobic organisms and successfully treats BV, which is usually connected to PID.

4. Skin infection caused by bacteria

   In skin diseases, it can be taken orally or applied topically on the skin surfaces. The health care professional will guide you in using metronidazole for skin diseases.

5. Mouth infections

   Metronidazole has an effective role in the treatment of various types of mouth diseases. These include dental abscesses, gums diseases and use as a post-operative procedure.

   How long does Metronidazole take to work?

   Because it is quickly absorbed, metronidazole begins to work one to two hours after taking it and reaches its peak concentration between 20 and three hours later. However, it can take a few days before you start feeling better or see a reduction in your symptoms. It depends on the type of infection. For instance, in BV, it takes 7 to 14 days to resolve the infection completely. In mouth infection 7 days is enough for this drug to treat the disease.

   Contraindications of metronidazole

   Metronidazole should be avoided in the following conditions or used with Doctor's prescription.

   1. Allergy reaction

   If you are allergic to this drug, you should not take it because it can cause severe allergies and lead to other problems.

   2. Pregnant woman

   The Flagyl medication can pass through the mother's placenta to the baby and can cause teratogenic effects on the unborn baby. Therefore your doctor will not advise this drug when you have an infection while you are pregnant.

   3. Lactating mothers

   There isn't enough research on women to determine the harm to the baby by taking this medicine while breastfeeding. Before using this drug during nursing, weigh the potential advantages against the potential drawbacks.

   4. Interactions with other medicines

   While some medications should never be combined, in other circumstances, two distinct medications may be given together even if an interaction occurs. Your doctor might wish to adjust the dosage in these circumstances, or additional safety measures could be required. It is crucial that your healthcare provider is aware of any medications you are taking while using this medication in order to avoid any potential interactions.

   5. Kidney disease

   There may be unpleasant effects of Flagyl if you already have kidney or liver disease. Therefore you must seek medical advice before taking metronidazole. Otherwise, one tablet of metronidazole can hurt your liver and kidney.

   Side effects of metronidazole

   Along with good effects, each drug has its side effects on your body. in a similar way, metronidazole has various side effects on your body.

   These side effects can be overcome by taking the optimal dose of the medication. Your doctor may reduce the dosage or change the medication if you have severe side effects. if you are experiencing severe unwanted effects, stop taking metronidazole and consult with your doctor.

   Following are some symptoms of side effects brought on by metronidazole medicine.

   1. Stomach pain or discomfort

   2. Trouble speaking

   3. Dark urine

   4. Metallic taste in the mouth

   5. Loss of appetite

   6. Other stomach symptoms like nausea and vomiting

   7. Headache

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