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What Is Metronidazole Benzoate?

Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins

The antibacterial medicine Metronidazole Benzoate® is prescribed to fight a range of infections. Despite the possibility for some side effects, this prescription drug has proven effective against dysentery, vaginitis, periodontitis and several other protozoan infestations that could infect the body. Also available as the generic Metronidazole, the proper dose will depend on the infection being attacked and the symptoms being exhibited.

A range of bacterial infections can be treated by Metronidazole Benzoate®, from minor to more serious conditions. Yeast infections like vaginitis and mouth invasions like periodontitis are some of the more common infections for which the drug is prescribed. It is also used to battle lesser-known infections like giardiasis — an intestinal infection also known as beaver fever, and trichomoniasis — a sexually transmitted disease (STD) with yeast infection-like symptoms.

Metronidazole benzoate is sometimes used to treat trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Metronidazole benzoate is sometimes used to treat trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Depending on the particular condition for which Metronidazole Benzoate® is prescribed, a patient's symptoms could vary widely. After being prescribed the drug to battle that infection, however, some other symptoms could begin to appear. Many experience appetite suppression, nausea, irritable bowels, vomiting and a darker coloring in the urine. A distinct taste of metal is also frequently reported.

Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of metronidazole benzoate.
Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of metronidazole benzoate.

Many other side effects are possible with Metronidazole Benzoate®, but this is not likely. Another type of yeast infection, called Candidiasis, could develop in some cases, and various other more serious side effects occur in some patients. These include depression, rashes, lethargy, joint pain, fever, dizziness, urinary tract difficulties, insomnia, vertigo, seizures and inflammation of the rectum, called proctitis.

The unwanted side effects of metronidazole benzoate may include lethargy and dizziness.
The unwanted side effects of metronidazole benzoate may include lethargy and dizziness.

When alcohol is consumed, even up to three days after the last pill is taken, the potential for side effects intensifies. Severe nausea, headache, flushed skin and stomach cramps are common symptoms of alcohol's adverse effect on the drug. Other symptoms are possible when this antibacterial drug is taken concurrently with Cimetidine®, Disulfiram®, Warfarin®, Phenobarbital® or Phenytoin®.

Side effects of metronidazole benzoate can intensify if alcohol is consumed up to three days after the last pill is taken.
Side effects of metronidazole benzoate can intensify if alcohol is consumed up to three days after the last pill is taken.

Doses of Metronidazole Benzoate® vary widely in measurement according to the bacterial infection. It is commonly advised to take each dose with a meal. The lowest doses are needed to fight amoebic dysentery, but massive doses of 3,200 mg, three times a day, are needed to combat the STD trichomoniasis. Often, doses of Metronidazole Benzoate® are administered to patients before undergoing surgery as a precaution to help the body resist disease during a particularly vulnerable period.

Discussion Comments

anon994851

My daughter was tested and found to have an amoeba infection. The doctor give her metronidazole benzoate, which I think is making her vomit every time she eats. What would be the treatment to avoid vomiting?

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    • Metronidazole benzoate is sometimes used to treat trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
      By: Syda Productions
      Metronidazole benzoate is sometimes used to treat trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
    • Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of metronidazole benzoate.
      By: Alliance
      Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of metronidazole benzoate.
    • The unwanted side effects of metronidazole benzoate may include lethargy and dizziness.
      By: Coka
      The unwanted side effects of metronidazole benzoate may include lethargy and dizziness.
    • Side effects of metronidazole benzoate can intensify if alcohol is consumed up to three days after the last pill is taken.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Side effects of metronidazole benzoate can intensify if alcohol is consumed up to three days after the last pill is taken.
    • People who take metronidazole benzoate may experience vertigo and joint pain.
      By: elizalebedewa
      People who take metronidazole benzoate may experience vertigo and joint pain.
    • Urinary tract difficulties may occur as a side effect of taking metronidazole benzoate.
      By: 7activestudio
      Urinary tract difficulties may occur as a side effect of taking metronidazole benzoate.
    • Side effects of metronidazole benzoate may include depression.
      By: bramgino
      Side effects of metronidazole benzoate may include depression.