metronidazole benzoate at a glance
Medicine class
Nitroimidazole antibacterial and antiprotozoal treatment.
Form
A sweet, lemon-orange-flavoured oral suspension containing metronidazole benzoate equivalent to metronidazole.
Administration
Shake well and measure the prescribed amount with an oral syringe or medicine spoon, not a kitchen teaspoon.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours afterwards because an unpleasant reaction can occur.
What is metronidazole benzoate used for?
The selected oral suspension is licensed for infections caused, or likely to be caused, by susceptible anaerobic organisms and for specified protozoal infections.
Treatment of serious anaerobic infections, including infections affecting the blood, brain, lungs, bones, abdomen, pelvis or postoperative wounds.
Prevention of anaerobic infection associated with surgery.
Bacterial vaginosis, acute dental infections, acute ulcerative gingivitis, and anaerobically infected leg ulcers or pressure sores.
Urogenital trichomoniasis.
Intestinal or extra-intestinal amoebiasis and giardiasis.
Helicobacter pylori eradication in children as part of combination treatment.
How does metronidazole benzoate work?
Inside susceptible anaerobic organisms, metronidazole is converted into reactive forms that damage DNA and inhibit its production. This stops the responsible bacteria or parasites from surviving.
metronidazole benzoate preparations and strengths
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg/5 mL
How to take metronidazole benzoate
Take the suspension exactly as directed on the dispensing label. It can be taken with or without food; taking it after food may help if nausea occurs.
Shake the bottle well before each use.
Measure it using the supplied oral syringe or medicine spoon; do not use a kitchen teaspoon.
Continue for the full prescribed treatment even if symptoms improve.
Avoid alcoholic drinks and check whether liquid medicines contain alcohol.
metronidazole benzoate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
- Metallic or unpleasant taste
- Furred tongue or a sore mouth
- Headache
- Darkened urine, which can be harmless
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Blistering, peeling or widespread severe skin reaction
- Yellow skin or eyes, or other signs of liver injury
- Severe abdominal pain suggesting pancreatitis
- Unexpected infections, mouth ulcers, bruising or bleeding suggesting a blood disorder
- Confusion, hallucinations, seizures, poor coordination, numbness or tingling
- Severe headache with fever, stiff neck or light sensitivity
- New blurred or double vision
metronidazole benzoate in pregnancy
Metronidazole has been widely studied in pregnancy and is not known to cause birth defects, stillbirth, low birth weight or premature birth. It may be prescribed when treating the infection is judged more beneficial than leaving it untreated. Tell the prescriber that you are pregnant because the selected suspension also contains propylene glycol, which requires case-by-case consideration.
metronidazole benzoate while breastfeeding
Metronidazole can generally be used for usual short treatments while breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant. Watch for poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhoea, oral thrush or rash. Seek specialist advice for a premature or unwell infant, prolonged treatment, or concerns about the selected suspension, whose product information is more cautious about lactation.
metronidazole benzoate interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and liquid preparations. Important interactions include:
Alcohol and alcohol-containing preparations
May cause nausea, abdominal pain, flushing, breathing difficulty or palpitations; avoid during treatment and for 48 hours afterwards.
Warfarin and related oral anticoagulants
The anticoagulant effect may increase, so clotting tests and anticoagulant management may need review.
Lithium
Lithium can accumulate and harm the kidneys; specialist review and monitoring of lithium, renal function and electrolytes may be required.
Common questions about metronidazole benzoate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is metronidazole benzoate the same as metronidazole?
Metronidazole benzoate is the form used in this suspension; the product states its content as the equivalent amount of metronidazole, which provides the antimicrobial effect.
Can metronidazole benzoate be taken with food?
Yes. The liquid can be taken with or without food, although taking it after food may help if it causes nausea.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.