Metronidazole

Anaerobic infections (dental abscesses, pelvic infections, intra-abdominal infections), C. difficile colitis, H. pylori eradication, bacterial vaginosis, amoebic dysentery, giardiasis, and trichomoniasis.

Metronidazole enters bacterial and protozoal cells where it’s reduced to a toxic metabolite that damages DNA, killing the organism. It’s selectively toxic to anaerobes and certain protozoa because only these organisms have the low-oxygen enzymes needed to activate it.

Adults and children. Widely used and generally well-tolerated. Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after (disulfiram-like reaction: severe nausea, vomiting, flushing). Caution in liver disease.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Metronidazole from £20.99 per course.

Common: diarrhoea, nausea, rash, abdominal discomfort. Amoxicillin/co-amoxiclav: common rash (especially with viral infections). Metronidazole: metallic taste, nausea. Doxycycline: photosensitivity, oesophageal irritation. Rare but serious: Clostridium difficile colitis (persistent diarrhoea), anaphylaxis (penicillins), tendon damage (ciprofloxacin).

Penicillin allergy: do not take amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or flucloxacillin. Ciprofloxacin: avoid in tendon disorders, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis. Metronidazole: avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after. Doxycycline: avoid in children under 12 (teeth staining).

Metronidazole: severe reaction with alcohol (disulfiram-like). Warfarin: many antibiotics alter INR - more frequent monitoring needed. Ciprofloxacin: avoid dairy, calcium, iron, and antacids within 2 hours. Oral contraceptives: no evidence that most antibiotics reduce efficacy (except rifampicin).

Penicillins (amoxicillin, flucloxacillin): generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Metronidazole: avoid in 1st trimester if possible. Doxycycline/lymecycline: contraindicated in pregnancy (teeth/bone effects). Ciprofloxacin: avoid (joint cartilage risk). Nitrofurantoin: avoid at term (neonatal haemolysis). Trimethoprim: avoid in 1st trimester (folate antagonist).

NO ALCOHOL during treatment or for 48 hours after finishing (causes severe nausea and vomiting). Take with or after food. Metallic taste is very common. Dark urine can occur (harmless). Nausea and headache are common. Peripheral neuropathy can occur with prolonged use. For dental infections: typically 400mg three times daily for 5 days.