Metronidazole (
Flagyl®, MetroCream
®, MetroGel
®, MetroGel-Vaginal
®, MetroLotion
®, Noritate
®, Vandazole
®) is a medication often prescribed for the treatment of various infections. It is especially useful for infections caused by parasites and anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen to survive.
In order to work, this antibiotic must enter the bacteria or parasite cell. The cells then cause a chemical reaction to occur with the medication. This reaction produces free radicals, molecules that can damage and destroy cells. This is presumably how metronidazole works to kill bacteria or parasites.
Before using the antibiotic metronidazole, information concerning safety precautions should be discussed with your healthcare provider. For example, it is important to know that skipping any doses or stopping this medicine earlier than your healthcare provider recommends can result in bacterial resistance. You should finish your entire prescription, even if you start feeling better, to ensure that the infection is completely treated.
(Click Metronidazole for more information on this antibiotic, including what forms and strengths it comes in, what side effects may occur with treatment, and what else you should discuss with your healthcare provider before starting this drug.)
