How To Take Metronidazole
We usually advise Metronidazole tablets are taken twice a day with food for 5 days. Sometimes you might be advised to take them differently by your doctor or nurse.
You must not drink any alcohol while taking these tablets, and for 24 hours after taking the last dose. This is because of an interaction that can cause severe headache, nausea and collapse.
You can read the Metronidazole Summary of Product Characteristics for more detailed information.
Female Patients
The effectiveness of the contraceptive pill may be reduced if you develop vomiting and / or diarrhoea after taking the antibiotics.
If this occurs, continue taking your pill as usual but follow the advice for your pill about using extra precautions (e.g. condoms) when you miss pills or have vomiting and or diarrhoea.
If you are concerned that you might be at risk of pregnancy from unprotected sex you can access emergency contraception.