Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may occur at any age; older individuals aged above 50 years, people living with autoimmune problems, presence of kidney stones and those with compromised immune system have added vulnerabilities. In case of women, risks are more pronounced as anal tract is nearer to urethra. In case of men, those who have an enlarged prostate may get UTIs. Caregivers prescribe a few medications to treat urinary conditions. In this milieu, can metronidazole treat UTI?
Infections in the urinary tract may afflict several parts of your system. A majority of these infections are due to bacteria. In some cases, viruses also may cause some infections. These infections – if left unattended to - can impair ureter, urinary bladder and kidneys.
But, most urinary tract-related infections affect the tube running between bladder and kidneys. The bottom-half of your urinary-system gets infected by microbes, and top-portion remains relatively safe from risks of microbial infections. You are advised to consult with a caregiving professional upon noticing discoloration of urine or experiencing pains while peeing.
In this light, what is metronidazole?
This is one of the widely prescribed antibiotic meds. Its key function is to arrest bacterial growth. It is mainly used for managing infections bacterial strands trigger. Following Dosage is Metronidazole 200mg, 400mg for tablets, is of little use in treating viral conditions like flu or fungal conditions.
Metronidazole can be bought as a pill, suspended form and also as a topical cream or gel. Those taking pills of metronidazole – not all, but a few users - may develop abdominal conditions like indigestion. In such cases, your doctor may advise you to take it with food.
Medication plans are customised depending on how severe is your infection; dosage strength varies based on your age, other meds you are using now and also, presence of any other ailments. In case of younger patients, dosages are administered based on weight of children.
So, can metronidazole treat uti and bv?
Foremost of all, you need to know that metronidazole does not have the approval from food & drug administration to treat urinary tract infections. Metronidazole is not effective in killing aerobic forms of microbes. However, a lion’s share of infections of your urinary tract is taken by aerobic forms of bacteria. This is a reason why metronidazole never fares among the first-choice of drugs to treat UTI.
However, if your caregiver suspects the role of bacteria, metronidazole is used for treating infections of the urinary tract. Active chemicals present in this antibiotic can ease symptoms such as painful sensation while you are urinating, itchiness, need to pee more frequently and other associated discomforts.
The typical dosage strength is 500 milligrams (mg) taken two or three times per day. At times, dosages may be increased to 750 mg, taken thrice each day. In order to get needful relief from infections, it is recommended to take metronidazole at the same timeslot every day.
Your medication plan may span 6 – 9 days’ time. You are advised to adhere to the medication plan prescribed by your caregiving team. Metronidazole may cause a few adverse effects; these include a marked drop in appetite level, migraine, nausea and drowsiness. Most of these side effects may go off once your system turns familiar with the drug and its key ingredients.
In case of bacterial vaginosis, metronidazole is one of the antibiotics used for this vaginal condition. Your doctor may prescribe it to be used either through the intravaginal route or as an oral pill. In fact, metronidazole is considered a first-choice med among caregiving professional for bacterial vaginosis. It is available as a gel / cream form. This med is applied on your vagina for remedial outcomes.
Metronidazole is not an over-the-counter med. It is hence a safe thing to use it as per your caregiver’s advice. You need to talk to your caregiving team to know more about using metronidazole for uti and bv.
When the UTI needs metronidazole treatment
Most of the times, metronidazole is not the drug given on the onset of infection. Another way of saying it is, sometimes it is given. This happens when the urine test shows germs that could be killed by this medication. These germs are called anaerobic germs. They are not the usual UTI germs, but they can still make you sick.
Occasionally, the doctor will give metronidazole along with another antibiotic to clear up a UTI that may be complicated with another infection in the belly, in the private parts or after surgery. Together they inhibit more germs. Answering your question, does metronidazole treat UTI, a short answer is sometimes, but very rarely by itself.
Why are they not the first choice?
- coli-like organisms cause most UTIs. Metronidazole does not act upon them effectively. Other antibiotics like nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are often better choices.
Taking a wrong antibiotic wastes time and strengthens germs. This will make the infection more difficult to treat in the future.
Side effects of note
A metallic taste in your mouth is experienced by many people after-taking metronidazole. Others report feeling nauseous, having loose stools, or getting headaches. Most of the time, these disappear within a few days.
Pregnancy Category: C (FDA). Do not consume an alcoholic beverage with this medication and for two days after taking it because their interaction will make you very sick. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other pill, supplements, or vitamins.
How to make the treatment more effective
Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. Complete the entire course of medicine, even if you start feeling better. If allowed, drink plenty of water for great benefits. The water will help flush out germ bacteria from the bladder. Use cotton underwear; refrain from strong soaps or sprays in that region.
When to call the doctor
Contact your doctor if the pain on urination continues beyond a few days; or if you develop a fever, chills, or blood in the urine, as this perhaps suggests that the medication is failing, or the infection has become too serious.
If your UTIs are frequent or you have underlying illnesses such; you may have to go for further tests to locate the cause.
At a glance
So, does metronidazole treat UTI? Yes, but only some types. It is more active against certain organisms and less against the more common one. Take only if your physician says this is the drug.
If you think you have a UTI, do not wait; see a doctor, get the proper antibiotic, and feel great sooner.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug
