Metronidazole is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, such as:
- skin infections
- rosacea
- mouth infections, including infected gums and dental abscesses
- bacterial vaginosis
- pelvic inflammatory disease
It can also used for infected insect bites, skin ulcers, bed sores and wounds, and to treat and prevent bacterial and parasitic infections.
Metronidazole is only available on prescription.
It comes as tablets, skin gel, vaginal gel, skin cream, a liquid you drink or a suppository, which is a medicine that you push gently into your anus (bottom).
It can also given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.
Key facts
- For most infections, you'll start to feel better in a few days, but for some it may take longer. When treating rosacea, you may only notice a difference after several weeks.
- Common side effects of metronidazole tablets, liquid, suppositories or vaginal gel include feeling or being sick, diarrhoea and a slight metallic taste in your mouth.
- Do not drink alcohol while you're taking metronidazole tablets or liquid, or using metronidazole suppositories.
- It's important to take metronidazole as your doctor tells you, and to finish your full course of treatment.