PROTOGYL FORTE

# Metronidazole 200 mg ## Short Description Metronidazole 200 mg is an **antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine** used to treat certain infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and parasites. It may be prescribed for infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, dental areas and other parts of the body, depending on the diagnosis. ## Key Benefits * Helps treat susceptible anaerobic bacterial infections * Helps treat certain parasitic infections * Effective against organisms that thrive in low-oxygen environments * May be used for certain gastrointestinal and dental infections * Helps eliminate the microorganisms responsible for susceptible infections * Available in oral formulations for convenient administration ## Uses / Indications Metronidazole 200 mg may be prescribed for: * **Amoebiasis** * **Giardiasis** * **Trichomoniasis** * Certain anaerobic bacterial infections * Dental and gum infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria * Certain gastrointestinal infections * Certain pelvic or reproductive tract infections * Bacterial vaginosis * Prevention or treatment of certain anaerobic infections associated with surgery, when specifically prescribed The exact indication depends on the patient's diagnosis and local treatment guidelines. ## How It Works Metronidazole enters susceptible microorganisms and is converted into active compounds that damage their **DNA**. This interferes with the microorganism's ability to survive and reproduce, ultimately causing it to die. Metronidazole is particularly active against **anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa**. It does not treat viral infections such as the common cold or influenza. ## Dosage & Administration * Take Metronidazole 200 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor * The dose and duration depend on the infection being treated * Some infections require several doses per day, while others use a different schedule * Take the tablets with water * It may be taken with food if it causes stomach discomfort * Take doses at evenly spaced times according to your prescription * Complete the prescribed course unless your doctor tells you to stop * Do not skip doses or stop treatment early without medical advice * If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose * Do not take two doses together to compensate for a missed dose * Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least **48 hours after the final dose**, unless your healthcare professional advises a longer period ## Side Effects Common side effects may include: * Nausea * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Abdominal discomfort * Loss of appetite * Headache * Dizziness * Metallic or unpleasant taste * Dry mouth * Darkening of urine Less common but serious side effects may include: * Numbness or tingling of the hands or feet * Seizures * Confusion or other neurological effects * Severe allergic reactions * Severe skin reactions * Liver problems * Severe or persistent diarrhea Seek urgent medical attention for difficulty breathing, facial swelling, seizures, severe rash, significant neurological symptoms or persistent/bloody diarrhea. ## Precautions & Warnings * **Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after completing metronidazole** * Tell your doctor if you have liver disease * Inform your doctor if you have a history of neurological disorders or seizures * Tell your doctor if you have a blood disorder * Prolonged or repeated treatment may increase the risk of nerve-related side effects * Seek medical advice if numbness, tingling, weakness or coordination problems develop * Do not use metronidazole for viral infections * Complete the prescribed course to reduce the risk of treatment failure * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding * Keep out of reach of children ## Drug Interactions Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, supplements and herbal products you use. Important interactions include: * **Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists** — metronidazole can increase anticoagulant effects and bleeding risk * **Disulfiram** — may increase the risk of psychiatric or neurological effects * **Lithium** — may increase lithium levels and toxicity risk * **Phenytoin and phenobarbital** — may alter metronidazole levels and effectiveness * **Certain medicines affecting liver enzymes** — may change metronidazole concentrations * Other medicines that can cause neurological side effects * Alcohol-containing medicines or products — may be problematic during treatment and shortly afterward Always provide your doctor or pharmacist with a complete list of medicines and supplements you use. ## Storage Information * Store Metronidazole 200 mg according to the manufacturer's instructions * Keep tablets in their original packaging * Protect from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight * Keep the container tightly closed * Keep out of reach and sight of children * Do not use after the expiry date * Follow the specific storage instructions printed on the product label ## Prescription Status Metronidazole 200 mg is generally a **prescription medicine**, although availability and dispensing requirements can vary by country and formulation. Use it only according to the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. ## Genuine Medicine Assurance * Purchase Metronidazole only from a licensed and reputable pharmacy * Use it only against a valid prescription where required * Check the medicine name and **200 mg strength** * Verify the batch number and expiry date * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact * Do not use tablets from damaged, altered or suspicious packaging * Confirm that the strength matches your prescription * Purchase medicines from authorized sources * If you suspect the medicine is counterfeit, consult a pharmacist or the appropriate medicine regulatory authority ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Metronidazole 200 mg used for? Metronidazole 200 mg is used to treat certain **anaerobic bacterial and parasitic infections**, including conditions such as amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis and some dental or gastrointestinal infections. ### Is Metronidazole an antibiotic? Yes. Metronidazole is both an **antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine**. ### Does Metronidazole treat viral infections? No. Metronidazole does not treat viral infections such as colds, influenza or most viral sore throats. ### What infections does Metronidazole treat? It may treat certain infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, including some gastrointestinal, dental, pelvic and genital infections. ### Can Metronidazole treat diarrhea? It may be prescribed for **certain infections that cause diarrhea**, such as some cases of amoebiasis or giardiasis. It should not be taken for unexplained diarrhea without medical advice. ### Can Metronidazole treat amoebiasis? Yes. Metronidazole is commonly used as part of treatment for **intestinal or extraintestinal amoebiasis**, according to the prescribed regimen. ### Can Metronidazole treat giardiasis? Yes. Metronidazole can be used to treat **Giardia** infections when prescribed by a healthcare professional. ### Can Metronidazole treat dental infections? Yes. It may be prescribed for certain dental or gum infections involving susceptible anaerobic bacteria, sometimes alongside another antibiotic depending on the infection. ### Can Metronidazole treat bacterial vaginosis? Yes. Metronidazole is a commonly used treatment for **bacterial vaginosis**. ### Can Metronidazole treat urinary tract infections? Metronidazole is **not a routine treatment for most urinary tract infections**. Its use depends on the specific organism and diagnosis. ### Can I drink alcohol while taking Metronidazole? It is recommended to **avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the final dose** because alcohol may cause an unpleasant reaction, including nausea, vomiting, flushing and rapid heartbeat. ### Why should alcohol be avoided with Metronidazole? Combining metronidazole with alcohol may cause an unpleasant reaction with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, flushing and headache. ### Does Metronidazole cause a metallic taste? Yes. A **metallic or unpleasant taste** is a relatively common side effect. ### Can Metronidazole make urine dark? Metronidazole can cause **dark or reddish-brown urine** in some people. This is usually harmless, but consult your doctor if you are concerned or if other symptoms occur. ### Does Metronidazole cause nausea? Yes. Nausea is a common side effect. Taking the medicine with food may help reduce stomach discomfort if permitted by the product instructions. ### Can Metronidazole cause diarrhea? Yes. Diarrhea can occur as a side effect. Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhea requires medical attention. ### Can Metronidazole cause nerve problems? Rarely, particularly with prolonged or repeated treatment, metronidazole can cause peripheral neuropathy. Report numbness, tingling, burning sensations or weakness to your doctor promptly. ### How long does Metronidazole take to work? The medicine begins acting against susceptible organisms after treatment starts, but symptom improvement varies according to the infection. Complete the prescribed course even if you begin feeling better. ### Can I stop Metronidazole when I feel better? Do not stop treatment early unless your doctor advises you to do so. Completing the prescribed course helps ensure appropriate treatment of the infection. ### What happens if I miss a dose of Metronidazole? Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together. ### Can Metronidazole be taken during pregnancy? Metronidazole may be used for certain infections during pregnancy when medically appropriate. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. ### Can Metronidazole be used while breastfeeding? Metronidazole can be used in some breastfeeding patients, depending on the dose and clinical situation. Consult your healthcare professional before treatment. ### Can children take Metronidazole 200 mg? Children can be prescribed metronidazole for certain infections, but the dose is usually determined according to **body weight, age and the type of infection**. Do not give a 200 mg tablet to a child unless specifically prescribed. ### Can Metronidazole be taken with Paracetamol? Paracetamol can generally be taken with metronidazole, but follow the recommended dosage and tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you use. ### Can Metronidazole be taken with Ibuprofen? There is no major direct interaction for most people, but individual factors matter. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you regularly use ibuprofen or other painkillers. ### Can Metronidazole be used for a stomach infection? It may be prescribed for certain **bacterial or parasitic gastrointestinal infections**, but not every stomach infection requires metronidazole. ### Is Metronidazole effective against worms? Metronidazole is effective against certain **protozoal parasites**, such as Giardia and Entamoeba, but it does not treat most intestinal worms. ### Is Metronidazole safe for everyone? No medicine is suitable for everyone. People with liver disease, certain neurological conditions, blood disorders or those taking interacting medicines may require special precautions. ### What should I do if my symptoms do not improve? Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve, become worse or return after treatment. The infection may require further evaluation or a different treatment. ## Medical Disclaimer This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Metronidazole 200 mg should be used only according to the prescription and advice of a qualified healthcare professional. The appropriate dose and treatment duration depend on the infection, age, medical history and other medicines being used. **Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the final dose.** Seek medical attention for severe allergic reactions, persistent or bloody diarrhea, seizures, severe rash, numbness or tingling, or other serious symptoms.