Consumer medicine information

Metronidamed

Metronidazole

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Metronidamed

Active ingredient

Metronidazole

Schedule

SUMMARY CMI

METRONIDAMED

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using Metronidamed?

METRONIDAMED contains the active ingredient metronidazole. METRONIDAMED is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria and other organisms in different parts of the body. It is also used to prevent or treat certain infections that may occur during surgery.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using METRONIDAMED? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Metronidamed?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to METRONIDAMED or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use METRONIDAMED? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with METRONIDAMED and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use Metronidamed?

Follow the instructions provided and use METRONIDAMED until your doctor tells you to stop. More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use METRONIDAMED? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Metronidamed?

Things you should do	Tell your doctor straight away if the symptoms of your infection do not improve or become worse, if you become pregnant or if you are about to start taking any new medicines. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor straight away if you have irrational thoughts, hallucinations, feeling confused or feeling depressed, including thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Things you should not do	Do not stop taking METRONIDAMED if you feel better. If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, all of the bacteria/organisms causing your infection may not be killed.
Driving or using machines	Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how METRONIDAMED affects you.
Drinking alcohol	Do not drink alcohol or consume any medication containing alcohol while using METRONIDAMED and for at least 24 hours after stopping treatment.
Looking after your medicine	Keep METRONIDAMED tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using METRONIDAMED? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Serious side effects: Allergic reaction: Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash, itching, shortness of breath or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. If you have been on prolonged METRONIDAMED therapy, you may experience unusual numbness of the feet or hands.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

FULL CMI

METRONIDAMED

Active ingredient(s): Metronidazole (met-ro(h)-nide-ah-zole) 200 & 400 mg tablets;

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using METRONIDAMED. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using METRONIDAMED.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using METRONIDAMED?
2. What should I know before I use METRONIDAMED?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use METRONIDAMED?
5. What should I know while using METRONIDAMED?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using METRONIDAMED?

METRONIDAMED contains the active ingredient metronidazole. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called nitroimidazoles.

METRONIDAMED is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria and other organisms in different parts of the body.

It is also used to prevent or treat certain infections that may occur during surgery.

This medicine works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria and other organisms causing these infections.

Your doctor may have prescribed METRONIDAMED for another reason.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why METRONIDAMED has been prescribed for you.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.

2. What should I know before I use METRONIDAMED?

Warnings

Do not use METRONIDAMED if:

you are allergic to metronidazole or any other nitroimidazoles, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
you have evidence of, or have a history of, a blood disorder.
you have, or have ever had, a disease of the brain, spinal cord or nerves.
the expiry date on the pack has passed. If you use this medicine after the expiry date has passed it may have no effect at all, or worse, an entirely different effect.
the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

Check with your doctor if you:

have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
have or have ever had any health problems/ medical conditions including:
- a blood disorder
- disease of the brain, spinal cord or nerves
- liver or kidney disease
- an inflammatory disease of the small intestine (e.g., Crohn's disease)
- Cockayne syndrome
drink alcohol. Do not drink alcohol during (and for 24 hours after stopping) treatment with METRONIDAMED.

If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before you start using METRONIDAMED.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with METRONIDAMED and affect how well it works. These include:

any medication that may cause ECG disturbances (certain anti-arrhythmics (medicines for heart rhythm disorders), certain antibiotics, psychotropic medicines)
warfarin or other medicines used to prevent blood clots
Antabuse® (disulfiram), a medicine used to treat chronic alcohol dependence
Medications containing alcohol (ethanol), e.g., some cough syrups
some anticancer drugs, such as carmustine, cyclophosphamide monohydrate, 5-fluorouracil or busulfan
phenytoin, a drug used to treat convulsions
phenobarbital (phenobarbitone), a medicine for convulsions or sedation
cimetidine, a medicine used to treat gastric reflux and ulcers
lithium, a medicine used to treat manic depressive illness and some other types of depression
cyclosporin, a medicine used to prevent organ transplant rejection or to treat immune responses

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect METRONIDAMED.

You may need different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

Your doctor and pharmacist may have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking METRONIDAMED.

4. How do I use METRONIDAMED?

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this CMI.

If you do not understand the instructions on the box, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to use

The dose will vary from patient to patient. Your doctor will decide the right dose for you.
Follow the instructions provided when METRONIDAMED was prescribed, including the number of days it should be taken.

How long to use

For treating infection, METRONIDAMED tablets are usually taken for 7 days, however, your doctor may decide to reduce or extend your treatment. Your doctor will tell you how much METRONIDAMED to take.

How to take METRONIDAMED tablets

Swallow METRONIDAMED tablets whole with a glass of water, preferably during or after a meal.

Do not chew the tablets.

This may help reduce the possibility of stomach upset.

If you forget to use METRONIDAMED

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you have trouble remembering to take/use METRONIDAMED, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you use too much METRONIDAMED

If you think that you have used too much METRONIDAMED, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26 in Australia)
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If you take too many tablets you may experience vomiting and a feeling of disorientation.

5. What should I know while using METRONIDAMED?

Things you should do

Call your doctor straight away if:

the symptoms of your infection do not improve or become worse
you become pregnant
you are about to start taking any new medicines

Some people being treated with metronidazole can experience mental health problems such as irrational thoughts, hallucinations, feeling confused or feeling depressed, including thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

These symptoms can occur even in people who have never had similar problems before. If you or others around you notice any of these side effects stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice straight away.

If you get a sore, white mouth or tongue while taking or soon after stopping METRONIDAMED treatment, tell your doctor. Also tell your doctor if you get vaginal itching or discharge.

This may mean you have a fungal/yeast infection called thrush. Sometimes the use of METRONIDAMED allows fungi/yeast to grow and the above symptoms to occur. METRONIDAMED does not work against fungi/yeast.

If you are using METRONIDAMED for 10 days or longer, make sure you have any tests of your blood and nervous system that your doctor may request.

If you need to have a blood test while using METRONIDAMED, tell your doctor as METRONIDAMED may affect the results of some laboratory tests.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using METRONIDAMED.

Things you should not do

Do not give METRONIDAMED to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not use METRONIDAMED to treat any other medical complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not stop taking your tablets if you feel better.
If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, all of the bacteria/organisms causing your infection may not be killed. These bacteria/organisms may continue to grow and multiply so that your infection may not clear completely or may return.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how METRONIDAMED affects you.

While using METRONIDAMED you may feel dizzy or experience vertigo (spinning sensation), confused, hallucinations (see or hear things that are not there), convulsions (have fits) or temporary eyesight problems (such as blurred or double vision). If this happens, do not drive or use any machinery or tools.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Alcohol may make you feel very sick, vomit, have stomach cramps, headaches and flushing.

Do not drink alcohol during (and for 24 hours after stopping) treatment with METRONIDAMED.

Looking after your medicine

Keep METRONIDAMED tablets in the blister pack until it is time to use them. If you take tablets out of the blister pack, they may not keep well.
Keep METRONIDAMED tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

What to do

General

joint pain

Mouth-related

oral thrush - white, furry, sore or inflamed tongue and mouth
dry mouth

Ear-related

hearing problems

Urinary disorders

unusual urination patterns (e.g., difficulty in passing urine, large amounts of urine, incontinence, or pus in urine)

Respiratory related

stuffy nose, nasal congestion

Gastrointestinal

nausea, which may be accompanied by headache, loss of appetite, and vomiting
diarrhoea,stomachdiscomfort, abdominal cramping or constipation, strange taste in mouth

Central nervous system-related

confusion, irritability, depression, or sleeplessness
convulsions, dizziness, weakness, feeling of incoordination or uncoordinated movements
vertigo (spinning sensation)

Heart-related

Changes in electrical activity of the heart seen on an Electrocardiogram (QT prolongation) has been observed particularly when metronidazole was administered with drugs with potential to prolong QT interval.

Skin-related

skin rashes, flushing, itching

Eye-related

eye problems, including blurred or double vision

Liver-related

yellowing of the skin or eyes, which may be jaundice

Gynecological

vaginal thrush - sore and itchy vagina and/or discharge
dryness of the vagina or vulva

Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects	What to do
Allergic reaction. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash, itching, shortness of breath or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. If you have been on prolonged METRONIDAMED therapy you may experience unusual numbness of the feet or hands.	Stop using METRONIDAMED, and tell your doctor immediately

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effect you experience, you can report side effects as follows:

In Australia: Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What METRONIDAMED contains

Active ingredient (main ingredient)	METRONIDAMED 200 mg - 200 mg metronidazole/tablet METRONIDAMED 400 mg-400 mg metronidazole/tablet
Other ingredients (inactive ingredients)	anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate pregelatinized maize starch povidone maize starch crospovidone microcrystalline cellulose colloidal anhydrous silica magnesium stearate hypromellose Polyethylene glycol 400 purified water

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

METRONIDAMED tablets come in two strengths:

METRONIDAMED 200 mg (Aust R 407007): White to off white colored, caplet shaped film coated tablets, debossed “200” on one side & plain on other side. Blister pack contains 7, 10, 14, 21, 100 or 250 tablets.

METRONIDAMED 400 mg (Aust R 407008): White to off white colored, caplet shaped film coated tablets, debossed “400” on one side & plain on other side. Blister pack contains 7, 10, 14, 21, 100 or 250 tablets.

Who distributes METRONIDAMED

Medsurge Healthcare Pty Limited
Unit 1& 2, 6-7 Gilda Court
MULGRAVE VICTORIA 3170
Tel: 1300 788 261

www.medsurgehc.com

This leaflet was prepared in October 2024.

Published by MIMS December 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Metronidamed

Active ingredient

Metronidazole

Schedule

1 Name of Medicine

Metronidazole.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Metronidazole tablets contain 200 mg or 400 mg metronidazole.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

200 mg tablets: white to off white coloured, caplet shaped film coated tablets, debossed "200" on one side and plain on other side.
400 mg tablets: white to off white coloured, caplet shaped film coated tablets, debossed "400" on one side and plain on other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Anaerobic infections.

Oral.

Treatment of infections in which anaerobic bacteria have been identified or are suspected as pathogens, particularly Bacteroides fragilis and other species of bacteroides, and other species such as fusobacteria, eubacteria, clostridia and anaerobic streptococci. Metronidazole has been used successfully in septicaemia; bacteraemia; brain abscess; necrotising pneumonia; osteomyelitis; puerperal sepsis; pelvic abscess; pelvic cellulitis; postoperative wound infections.
Metronidazole may be used prophylactically to prevent infection of the surgical site which may have been contaminated or potentially contaminated with anaerobic organisms. Procedures in which this may be assumed to have happened include appendicectomy, colonic surgery, vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal surgery in the presence of anaerobes in the peritoneal cavity and surgery performed in the presence of anaerobic septicaemia.

Note.

Metronidazole is inactive against aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria.

Other indications.

Oral treatment of urogenital trichomoniasis in the female (trichomonal vaginitis) and in the male, and for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. The male consort of females suffering from urogenital trichomoniasis should be treated concurrently; all forms of amoebiasis (intestinal and extraintestinal disease and that of symptomless cyst passers); giardiasis; acute ulcerative gingivitis.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

A maximum of 4 g should not be exceeded during a 24 hour period. Dosages should be decreased in patients with severe hepatic disease; plasma metronidazole levels should be monitored.
In elderly patients the pharmacokinetics of metronidazole may be altered and therefore monitoring of serum levels may be necessary to adjust the metronidazole dosage accordingly.

Oral.

(Summarised in Table 1.)
The tablets should be swallowed, without chewing, with a draught of water. It is recommended that the tablets be taken during or after a meal. Metronidazole tablets may be given alone or concurrently with other bacteriologically appropriate antibacterial agents.
Treatment for 7 days should be satisfactory for most patients but, depending on clinical and bacteriological assessment, the clinician might decide to prolong treatment, e.g. for the eradication of infection from site which cannot be drained or are liable to endogenous recontamination by anaerobic pathogens from the gut, oropharynx or female genital tract.

Surgical prophylaxis.

Note.

Prevention of infection at the surgical site requires that adequate tissue concentration of the drug should have been achieved at the time of surgery. The doses and route of administration should be selected in this case to achieve this objective.
As an oral ingestion is often prohibited 12 hours or longer before surgery, and it may not be practical for a variable period following surgery, tablets are not considered to be an appropriate formulation for prophylactic use. However, if oral intake is not contraindicated and is feasible following surgery, 400 mg may be taken one to two hours before surgery and repeated every eight hours for 24 hours.
The corresponding dose for children under 12 years is 100 mg to 200 mg for 1 to 7 years, and 200 mg to 400 mg for 7 to 12 years one to two hours before surgery, repeated every eight hours for 24 hours.

4.3 Contraindications

1. Patients with evidence of or a history of blood dyscrasias should not receive the drug since upon occasion a mild leucopenia has been observed during its administration. However, no persistent haematological abnormalities have been observed in animals or clinical studies.
2. Active organic disease of the central nervous system.
3. Hypersensitivity to metronidazole and other imidazoles.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Alcohol.

Alcoholic beverages and drugs containing alcohol, should not be consumed by patients being treated with metronidazole and for at least a day after treatment as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headaches, tachycardia and flushing may occur. There is the possibility of a disulfiram-like (Antabuse) effect reaction.

Candidiasis.

Candida overgrowth in the gastrointestinal or genital tract may occur during metronidazole therapy and require treatment with a candidacidal drug.

Cockayne syndrome.

Cases of severe hepatotoxicity/acute hepatic failure, including cases with a fatal outcome with very rapid onset after treatment initiation in patients with Cockayne syndrome have been reported with products containing metronidazole for systemic use. In this population, metronidazole should therefore be used after careful benefit-risk assessment and only if no alternative treatment is available. Liver function tests must be performed just prior to the start of therapy, throughout and after end of treatment until liver function is within normal ranges, or until the baseline values are reached. If the liver function tests become markedly elevated during treatment, the drug should be discontinued.
Patients with Cockayne syndrome should be advised to immediately report any symptoms of potential liver injury to their physician and stop taking metronidazole.

Severe bullous skin reactions.

Cases of severe bullous skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) or acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with metronidazole (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). If symptoms or signs of SJS, TEN or AGEP are present, metronidazole treatment must be immediately discontinued.

Long term therapy.

If metronidazole is to be administered for more than 10 days, it is recommended that haematological tests, especially total and differential leucocyte counts, be carried out regularly and that patients be monitored for adverse reactions such as peripheral or central neuropathy (such as paresthesia, ataxia, dizziness, vertigo, convulsive seizures). If leucopenia or abnormal neurological signs occur, the drug should be discontinued immediately.

Surgical drainage.

Use of metronidazole does not obviate the need for aspirations of pus whenever indicated.

Nervous system.

Metronidazole should be used with caution in patients with active or chronic severe peripheral and central nervous system diseases due to the risk of neurological damage.
Patients should be warned about the potential for confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, convulsions or transient visual disorders and advised not to drive or use machinery if these symptoms occur.

Suicidal ideation.

Cases of suicidal ideation with or without depression have been reported during treatment with metronidazole. Patients should be advised to discontinue treatment and contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience psychiatric symptoms during treatment.

Use in renal impairment.

In patients on twice weekly haemodialysis, metronidazole and its major active metabolite are rapidly removed during an 8 hour period of dialysis, so that the plasma concentration quickly falls below the therapeutic range. Hence, a further dose of metronidazole would be needed after dialysis to restore an adequate plasma concentration. In patients with renal failure the half-life of metronidazole is unchanged, but those of its major metabolites are prolonged 4-fold or greater. The accumulation of the hydroxy metabolite could be associated with side effects and measurement of its plasma concentration by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been recommended.

Use in hepatic impairment.

No information available. As metronidazole is partly metabolised in the liver, caution should be exercised in patients with impaired liver function or hepatic encephalopathy.
Metronidazole may interfere with certain chemical analysis of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), triglycerides and hexokinase glucose to give abnormally low values.

Use in the elderly.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration.

Paediatric use.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration.

Effects on laboratory tests.

Metronidazole may interfere with certain types of blood test determinations in blood (aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), triglycerides, glucose), which may lead to false negative or an abnormally low result. These analytical determinations are based on a decrease in ultraviolet absorbance, a fact that occurs when nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) is oxidized to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). The interference is due to the similarity in the absorption peaks of NADH (340 nanometer) and metronidazole (322 nanometer) at pH 7.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

1. Metronidazole enhances the activity of warfarin, and if metronidazole is to be given to patients receiving this or other anticoagulants, the dosages of the latter should be recalibrated. There is an increased haemorrhagic risk caused by decreased hepatic metabolism. Prothrombin times should be monitored as should anticoagulant activity.
2. The simultaneous administration of drugs that induce microsomal liver enzymes, such as phenytoin or phenobarbital (phenobarbitone), may accelerate the elimination of metronidazole, resulting in reduced plasma levels; impaired clearance of phenytoin has also been reported.
3. The simultaneous administration of drugs that decrease microsomal liver enzyme activity, such as cimetidine, may prolong the half-life and decrease plasma clearance of metronidazole.
4. In patients stabilised on relatively high doses of lithium, short-term metronidazole therapy has been associated with elevation of serum lithium and, in a few cases, signs of lithium toxicity. Serum lithium and serum creatinine levels and electrolytes should be obtained several days after beginning metronidazole to detect any increase that may precede clinical symptoms of lithium intoxication.
5. Psychotic reactions have been reported in patients who were using metronidazole and disulfiram concurrently. Metronidazole should not be given to patients who have taken disulfiram within the last two weeks.
6. Carmustine, cyclophosphamide monohydrate: metronidazole should be used with caution in patients receiving these drugs.
7. There is a risk of ciclosporin serum levels increasing when it is used in combination with metronidazole. Serum ciclosporin and serum creatinine should be closely monitored when coadministration is necessary.
8. Metronidazole used in combination with 5-fluorouracil may lead to reduced clearance of 5-fluorouracil, resulting in increased toxicity.
9. Alcoholic beverages and drugs containing alcohol should not be consumed during metronidazole therapy and for at least one day afterwards because of the possibility of a disulfiram-like (Antabuse effect) reaction (flushing, vomiting, tachycardia).
10. Plasma levels of busulfan may be increased by metronidazole, which may lead to severe busulfan toxicity.
11. QT prolongation has been reported, particularly when metronidazole was administered with drugs with the potential for prolonging the QT interval.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No data available.
(Category B2)
Metronidazole should not be given in the first trimester of pregnancy as it crosses the placenta and enters foetal circulation rapidly. As its effects on human foetal organogenesis are not known, its use in pregnancy should be carefully evaluated. Although it has not been shown to be teratogenic in either human or animal studies, such a possibility cannot be excluded.
Use of metronidazole for trichomoniasis in the second and third trimesters should be restricted to those in whom local palliative treatment has been inadequate to control symptoms.
Metronidazole is secreted in breast milk (see Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties). In view of its tumorigenic and mutagenic potential (see Section 5.3 Preclinical Safety Data), breastfeeding is not recommended.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Patients should be warned about the potential for confusion, dizziness, vertigo, hallucinations, convulsions or transient visual disorders and advised not to drive or use machinery if these symptoms occur. (See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Gastrointestinal effects.

When given orally, metronidazole is well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions refer to the gastrointestinal tract, particularly nausea, sometimes accompanied by headache, anorexia and occasionally vomiting, diarrhoea, epigastric pain or distress and abdominal cramping; constipation, oral mucositis and taste disorders have also been reported. A metallic, sharp, unpleasant taste is not unusual. Cases of pancreatitis which abated on withdrawal of the drug, have been reported. Crohn's disease patients are known to have an increased incidence of gastrointestinal and certain extraintestinal cancers. If patients receiving metronidazole drink alcoholic beverages, they may experience abdominal distress, nausea, vomiting, flushing or headache. A modification of the taste of alcoholic beverages has also been reported.
Furry tongue, tongue discolouration, glossitis and stomatitis have occurred; these may be associated with a sudden overgrowth of Candida which may occur during effective therapy.

Body as a whole.

Hypersensitivity reactions include rash, pruritus, flushing, urticaria, fever, angioedema and anaphylactic shock. Nasal congestion and dryness of the mouth have been reported. Mild erythematous eruptions have been experienced, as have fleeting joint pains sometimes resembling serum sickness. Pustular eruptions and acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis have been reported. Fixed drug eruption has been reported. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have also been reported.

Liver.

Increase in liver enzymes (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase), cholestatic or mixed hepatitis and hepatocellular liver injury, sometimes with jaundice, have been reported.
Cases of liver failure requiring liver transplant have been reported in patients treated with metronidazole in combination with other antibiotic drugs; all spiramycin except one case of tetracycline.

Haematology.

A moderate leucopenia may be observed occasionally. If this occurs, the total leucocyte count may be expected to return to normal after the course of medication is completed. One case of bone marrow depression has been reported. If profound bone marrow suppression occurs, use of metronidazole should be ceased and appropriate supportive therapy instituted. Cases of agranulocytosis, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia have been reported.

Psychiatric/CNS disorders.

Dizziness, vertigo, incoordination, headache and convulsive seizures have been reported. Psychotic disorders such as confusion and hallucinations have been reported. Depression, depressed mood, insomnia, irritability, weakness have been experienced, as has peripheral neuropathy, characterised mainly by numbness or paraesthesia of an extremity. There have been reports of encephalopathy (e.g. confusion, vertigo) and subacute cerebellar syndrome (e.g. ataxia, dysarthria, gait impairment, nystagmus and tremor), which may resolve with the discontinuation of the drug. Since persistent peripheral neuropathy has been reported in some patients receiving prolonged administration of metronidazole, such subjects should be specifically warned about these reports and should be told to stop the drug and report immediately if any neurological symptoms occur. Aseptic meningitis has been reported.
Frequency not known: vertigo.

Eye disorders.

Optic neuropathy/neuritis and transient vision disorders such as diplopia, myopia, blurred vision, decreased visual acuity and changes in colour vision have been reported.

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Impaired hearing/hearing loss (including sensorineural) and tinnitus have been reported.

Genito-urinary tract.

Proliferation of Candida also may occur in the vagina. Dryness of the vagina or vulva, pruritus, dysuria, cystitis and a sense of pelvic pressure have been reported. Very rarely dyspareunia, fever, polyuria, incontinence, decrease of libido, proctitis and pyuria have occurred in patients receiving the drug.
Instances of darkened urine have been reported and this manifestation has been the subject of special investigation. Although the pigment which is probably responsible for this phenomenon has not been positively identified, it is almost certainly a metabolite of metronidazole. It seems certain that it is of no clinical significance and may be encountered only when metronidazole is administered in higher than recommended doses.

Cardiovascular.

Flattening of the T wave may be seen in ECG tracings.
Frequency not known: QT prolongation has been reported, particularly when metronidazole was administered with drugs with the potential for prolonging the QT interval.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems (Australia).

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms.

Overdosage with metronidazole appears to be associated with very few abnormal signs or symptoms. Disorientation, ataxia and vomiting may occur, especially after ingestion of large amounts. In case of suspected massive overdosages, a symptomatic and supportive treatment should be instituted.
Single oral doses of metronidazole, up to 12 g, have been reported in suicide attempts and accidental overdoses.

Treatment.

There is no specific antidote for metronidazole overdosage. In cases of suspected overdosage, a symptomatic and supportive treatment should be instituted.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poison Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: antibacterials for systemic use, ATC code J01X D01.

Mechanism of action.

Specific bactericidal activity against important obligate anaerobes.
Metronidazole is effective in vitro against several species of anaerobic bacteria, particularly Bacteroides fragilis and other species of bacteroides, and other species such as fusobacteria, eubacteria, clostridia, and anaerobic streptococci. The MIC for most susceptible anaerobes is < 6.2 microgram/mL.

Note.

Metronidazole is inactive against aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. Metronidazole is active against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, notably Trichomonas vaginalis and other trichomonads, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Balantidium coli and the causative organisms of acute ulcerative gingivitis.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Maximum concentrations occur in the serum 1 to 2 hours after oral administration and at the end of the infusion after intravenous administration. Traces are detected after 24 hours. The biological half-life of oral and intravenous metronidazole has been determined as 6 to 7 and 7.3 hours respectively.

Distribution.

Metronidazole is widely distributed in body tissues and fluids. It diffuses across the blood-brain barrier and placenta and is found in the breast milk of nursing mothers in concentrations equivalent to those in serum.
It is not protein bound to any significant degree.

Metabolism.

No data available.

Excretion.

Most of the dose is excreted in the urine as metronidazole and its metabolites, including acid oxidation products and glucuronides.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

In studies on the mutagenic potential of metronidazole, the Ames test was positive while several nonbacterial tests in animals were negative. In the patients with Crohn's disease, metronidazole increased the chromosome abnormalities in circulating lymphocytes. The use of metronidazole for longer treatment than usually required should be carefully weighed (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use) and the benefit/risks should, therefore, be carefully assessed in each case particularly in relation to the severity of the disease and the age of the patient.

Carcinogenicity.

Metronidazole been shown to be tumorigenic and carcinogenic in rodents.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate, pregelatinized maize starch, povidone, maize starch, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400, purified water.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C. Protect from light.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Alu-PVC blister packs.

200 mg tablets.

Pack sizes: 7s, 10s, 14s, 21s, 100s^# and 250s^#.

400 mg tablets.

Pack sizes: 7s, 10s, 14s, 21s, 100s^# and 250s^#.
^# For hospital dispensing only.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Metronidazole is 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole. It appears as white to brownish cream crystals with melting point of 159 to 162°C. Metronidazole in a saturated aqueous solution has a pH of between 6 and 7.5. Solubility at 20°C (g/100 mL): 1 in water; 0.5 in ethanol; 0.4 in chloroform; slightly soluble in ether, soluble in dilute acids.

Chemical structure.

Chemical formula: C₆H₉N₃O₃.
Molecular weight: 171.15 g/mol.

CAS number.

443-48-1.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Tablets: Schedule 4. Prescription Only Medicine.

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