Complete adverse effect profile including incidence rates and management
Important Safety Information
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms. For serious or life-threatening side effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Nausea (most common — 12%)
Metallic taste (very characteristic — almost universal)
Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Peripheral neuropathy (with prolonged use — numbness, tingling; may be irreversible)
CNS toxicity (encephalopathy, ataxia, seizures) — particularly with IV, prolonged use, or hepatic failure
Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol (facial flushing, vomiting, tachycardia — see warnings)
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (very rare)
Pancreatitis
Optic neuropathy
Aseptic meningitis
Potential carcinogenicity (animal studies; not confirmed in humans at therapeutic doses)
Like all medications, Metronidazole can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes this medication will experience them. Many side effects are dose-dependent and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Others may require dose adjustment or medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience signs of: