Share: 
Metronidazole (Flagyl®, MetroCream®, MetroGel®, MetroGel-Vaginal®, MetroLotion®, Noritate®, Vandazole®) is a prescription antibiotic used to treat certain types of bacterial and parasitic infections. As with most medications, it may be possible to take too much metronidazole. The specific effects of an overdose will vary, depending on a number of factors, including the metronidazole dosage and how it was taken (applied to the skin, taken by mouth, given by IV, or used vaginally).
Metronidazole does not seem to be especially toxic in the case of an overdose. In cases of suicide attempts and accidental overdoses, the following symptoms of an overdose with metronidazole were seen:
- Coordination problems
- Nausea and vomiting.
Studies that used very high doses of the drug during radiation treatment for cancer suggested that an overdose might increase the risk of seizures or nerve problems affecting the hands and feet (such as numbness or paralysis). However, these are also possible metronidazole side effects, even at normal doses.
A metronidazole overdose is likely to cause problems when taken by mouth or IV, rather than applied to the skin or used vaginally.
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
eMedTV Links
Copyright © 2006-2013 Clinaero, Inc.
eMedTV serves only as an informational resource. This site does not dispense medical advice or advice of any kind. Site users seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician. Click Terms of Use for more information.
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
eMedTV serves only as an informational resource. This site does not dispense medical advice or advice of any kind. Site users seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician. Click Terms of Use for more information.
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.